The epithet “English Suites” – as with the “French Suites” – did not originate with Bach himself. In contrast to the six intimate French Suites, Bach’s English Suites adopt a grander tone, each one opening with a prelude in concertante style. Two of the sarabandes survive in additional versions that feature ornamentation by Bach himself; an impressive testimony to his intended virtuosic and opulent harpsichord style in these pieces.

Despite the lack of autograph sources, the musical text of t...