Cello Suite No. 3 — Bourrée I & II

J. S. BachBWV 1009

Key

C

Time

C|

Tempo

♩=110

AO focus

AO1

Form

Pair of bourrées from the third Cello Suite. Bourrée I in C major, dancing 2/4 cut-time; Bourrée II in C minor, more lyrical. Standard ABA dance pairing — Bourrée I is played, then II, then I again da capo.

Teaching points

• Bourrée = quick French court dance in cut time, usually with anacrusis (upbeat)
• Bourrée I — major, dancing, single-line (cellist implies harmony from the bass figure)
• Bourrée II — minor, lyrical, more chromatic. The contrast carries the form
• AO1: a standard Grade 6–7 cello audition piece — playable and showcases bow control