Bourrée in E minor, from Lute Suite

J. S. BachBWV 996

Key

Em

Time

2/2

Tempo

♩=96

AO focus

AO2

Form

Binary form — A‖:8‖ B‖:8‖. The most famous lute piece in the standard guitar repertoire.

Teaching points

• Two-voice texture — RH leads, LH provides walking bass on the strong beats
• Modulation A → V (B minor) → return A → V → I
• Crisp detached articulation typical of bourrée dance — not legato