~*~
An English
Suite
for
Organ (or
generic Keyboards)
Download a PDF booklet
available in August 2025
.
FMPEnglishSuiteKbdOrgBklt2025
Notes
An
English Suite
is a curious but charming
Rococo
anomaly in four movements for keyboard, whether piano, harpsichord,
clavichord, or, with its optional pedal lines, for organ.
The first movement, Promenade, presents a stately and
rhythmically intricate melody, eight measures in length, above a simple bass
ostinato. These two voices repeat their duet in treble and bass registers,
but with each repetition a new voice is introduced, ending in a four-part
texture. A light Dance in
triple meter follows: although akin to a menuet, it is
rhythmically and metrically unstable. The dance is followed by a sonorous
and harmonically
venturesome
Interlude,
after
which
the
Promenade
returns with an affirmative cadence to conclude the suite.
Interpretation of An English Suite could readily include use of
manual changes, contrasting timbres and registrations, and an expressive
range of touches and rubato to enhance the varied nature of each movement.
The Promenade provides a solemn march (in triple meter, no less), for
formal processionals and occasions, and the two
middle movements will offer timely musical
interludes when needed.
♦ ◊ ♦