Jean-Claude Veilhan: La Flûte a Bec Vol. 2: Treble Recorder: Instrumental Tutor

Six Suites - Vol. 1 for Alto Recorder is the first volume of a series of two by J. S. Bach. Initially composed for Cello between 1717 and 1723 it was transcribed by Jean-Claude Veilhan and features the Suites I II and III. The transcription keeps the original key and only some passages have to be played one octave higher than in the original sheet. The first suite BWV 1007 is in G major and contains a Prelude an Allemande a Courante a Sarabande two Minuets and a Guigue. Its Prelude is the most famous movement of the whole set of Suites consisting mainly of only arpeggiated chords. It can be heard in manyfilms and is highly recognisable. The second one BWV1008 is in D minor and held the same movements' organisation. Its prelude in two parts features a cadenza which leads to other cadenzas in the Allemande. The Minuet part is quite technical to play. Finally the third one BWV 1009 in C major sees the Minuets being replaced by Bourrées which are often played together as a solo material. The second Bourrée only has a partial signature and the Allemande has a rhythm quite unique for the piece as it includes three semiquavers instead of one. These suites also exist arranged for Piano for Trombone and for many other instruments.

The infamous Six Cello Suites by J. S. Bach are perfectly adapted for the Recorder by French wind specialist Jean-Claude Veilhan. Bach originally composed the Cello Suites some of the most frequently performed and recognised solo compositions ever written for the instrument during the period 1717-1723 when he served as Kapellmeister in Köthen. The second volume of Veilhan's adaptions for Recorder contains suites four five and six and includes phrase marks dynamic markings articulation breath marks and performance directions. Veilhan's adaptions are flawless makingthe notorious Suites enjoyably accessible to the Recorder.