Bach Restor'd

Did Johann Sebastian Bach write another orchestral overture suite? This recording of Bach's French Overture BWV 831 is Restoration's own reconstruction of a string orchestra version in the original key of C minor.

Bach published this magnificent work in 1735 as a version for solo harpsichord entitled Ouvertüre nach Französischer Art in the key of B minor. But the work existed in an even earlier version, a manuscript written in the key of C minor. This is believed to be the original transcription of his orchestral work, now lost. Downward transposition was a standard process Bach used for transcribing orchestral music (such as his violin concerti) for harpsichord. (See below for more information.)

Restoration Baroque Ensemble
Lucinda Moon and Bronwen Pugh (baroque violins)
Alison Salmons (baroque viola)
Emma Goodbehere (baroque cello)
Eric Scholes (violone)
Robert Petre (harpsichord)