Published in 1682, this Suite steps forward from Robert de Visée and adequately mirrors the style of the great keyboard writers like Buxtehude, Froberger, etc.
In five movements, the Prelude is interestingly unbarred with the prefix 'C' (see Delair for a fascinating treatise on this involving both lute and guitar). This little preamble gives way to an Allemande of true Baroque proportions: recall that Bach had not been born at this date. The Courante has a stylish, fleeting texture using a little motif around the familiar keys with written-in ornaments to suit. The Sarabande is a superb piece of writing; regal, strummed chords are later decorated to add interest to this, the best movement here. The final Passacaille is good enough but the Sarabande has it all for me: what a pity Bittner avoided throwing in a Gigue. Good music then, beautifully printed, no difficult turns, around Grades 5 to 7.
Baroque fans should go for this one.
(Neil Smith, Classical Guitar)
