Cello Suite No. 2

Johann Sebastian Bach

Composed:
1723 Grouping:
B 

Bach's Cello suites have become a staple of the cellist's repertoire, widely played and recorded. There is some uncertainty about when and where they were written, but most likely it was between 1717 and 1723 when Bach was choir master at Kothen. After the initial prelude, each piece in this second suite is based on a common dance from the baroque period: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, two Minuets, and a final Gigue.

Whilst the baritone saxophone lacks the full range of the cello, the pitches match closely enough that these suites are can be played without alteration. Arpeggios, scales, and large pitch jumps make these pieces excellent practice.