J. S. Bach At the beginning of my project to record all of J. S. Bach's keyboard works, I was particularly captivated by the diversity of the musical text variants and the different handwriting styles of the copyists in the surviving manuscripts. This fascination probably stems from a tendency to always question everything. However, especially for those grappling with questions of interpretation, it seems essential to view the various sources as a solid foundation, rather than limiting authenticity to a narrow repertoire of gestures based solely on a few, mostly abstract, sources.
Regarding the flexible number of movements within a suite, it is worthwhile to examine the mindset of 18th-century musicians. Even if it is difficult to definitively determine the character of a work, considering the different traditions and versions can contribute to a better understanding of Bach's French Suites—especially when unexpected movements appear that may have originated from Gerber's teaching.
It should be emphasized that the French Suites should by no means be considered less significant than other compositions by Bach. While later works such as the Partitas appear more complex, the French Suites equally reflect the essence of Bach's compositional skill.
The attribution to Bach is most uncertain in the case of the G minor Suite; although its authorship remains questionable, it was nevertheless included because of its distinctive character. Pieces such as BWV 815 demonstrate that the central idea of a work transcends individual motifs and gestures.
The selection of works from diverse sources can yield an interpretation that may never have existed before. Such variations in the tradition open up new perspectives and help to grasp Bach's music within a broader context.
Depending on whether the clavichord or harpsichord is played, different approaches to the music become possible. The interpretation is significantly shaped by the individual experience of the performer, even if the fundamental principles remain.
The works and sources consulted result in a multifaceted interpretation that not only transcends the boundaries of traditional performance practices but also unites scholarly insight and artistic expression.
The overall effect is a multifaceted interpretation that not only transcends the boundaries of traditional performance practices but also unites scholarly knowledge and artistic expression.