For those unaware, today, Francesco Tristano releases Bach: The 6 French Suites on naïve and intothefuture, continuing his exploration of Johann Sebastian Bach’s keyboard works.

Following The 6 Partitas, The 6 English Suites and The 7 Toccatas, this new recording turns to a repertoire that combines formal elegance with a remarkable sense of intimacy and flow.

Composed between 1722 and 1725, the French Suites reveal a more lyrical side of Bach’s writing. In this recording, Tristano focuses on clarity, rhythm and continuity, bringing out the expressive character of each dance movement while allowing the music to unfold with naturalness and immediacy.

1. French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV812
I. Allemande [1:34]
II. Courante [1:27]
III. Sarabande [3:30]
IV. Menuet I [1:10]
V. Menuet II [2:17]
VI. Gigue [1:57]

2. French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV813
I. Allemande [2:07]
II. Courante [1:27]
III. Sarabande [1:58]
IV. Air [0:59]
V. Menuet (I) [0:56]
VI. Menuet (II, VWV 813a) [1:20]
VII. Gigue [1:39]

3. French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV814
I. Allemande [1:41]
II. Courante [1:51]
III. Sarabande [2:24]
IV. Anglaise [1:00]
V. Menuet I [0:44]
VI. Menuet II (Trio) [1:17]
VII. Gigue [1:46]

4. French Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV815
I. Allemande [2:04]
II. Courante [1:29]
III. Sarabande [2:12]
IV. Gavotte [1:02]
V. Air [1:36]
VI. Menuet [1:22]
VII. Gigue [2:06]

5. French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV816
I. Allemande [1:42]
II. Courante [1:20]
III. Sarabande [2:29]
IV. Gavotte [0:51]
V. Bourrée [0:58]
VI. Loure [1:04]
VII. Gigue [2:50]

6. French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV817
I. Prélude [1:32]
II. Allemande [2:13]
III. Courante [1:26]
IV. Sarabande [3:19]
V. Gavotte [1:27]
VI. Menuet polonais [1:05]
VII. Petit Menuet [0:45]
VIII. Bourrée [1:55]
IX. Gigue [2:06]

The skilled classical pianist, whose artistic vision extends beyond his technical proficiency, opens his new recording on French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV812: which begins with the robust Allemande, the flourishing Courante and the decadent Sarabande, before the playful Menuet I, the elegant Menuet II and the forthright Gigue are brought forth.

Then comes French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV813: which opens on the beautiful Allemande, the strident fare of Courante, the luxuriant Sarabande and the frisky Air, and then come the emotive Menuet (I), the potent Menuet (II, VWV 813a) and the confident Gigue.

Up next is French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV814: which begins on the sumptuous Allemande, the free-flowing Courante, the stoically sculpted Sarabande and the joyful Anglaise, before running out on the fervent Menuet I, the exquisite Menuet II (Trio) and the agitated Gigue.

Then comes French Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV815: which opens on the controlled Allemande, the assured Courante, the opulent Sarabande and the optimistic Gavotte, before we are gifted the sparkling Air, the coltish Menuet, ending on the blithe Gigue.

Along next is French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV816: which itself begins with the sanguine Allemande, the expedient Courante, the dulcet Sarabande and the perky Gavotte, and they are backed by the brisk Bourrée, the fine fettle of Loure, rounding out on the vivacious Gigue.

Finally comes French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV817: and this opens on the elegant Prélude, the cheerful Allemande, the abundant Courante, the alluring Sarabande and the stunning Gavotte, then comes the buoyant Menuet polonais, the resplendent Petit Menuet, the set coming to a close on the stylish Bourrée and the grandeur of Gigue.

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