Johann Pachelbel

Suite D minor

Johann Pachelbel (1653 - 1706) belonged to the most important German composers of the pre-Bach era. In his compositions both Italian and French stylistic elements melt with the central German taste. His movements can be identified by vocal voice leading, simplistic harmonies, but also a touch of virtuosity. The work presented here is his only suite for the lute. It was arranged for the modern guitar as had the partita by Logy earlier on. The movements have different titles referring to their subject - a custom quite popular in the baroque period. Allemande 'The dissatisfied lover', Courante 'The relieved lover', Sarabande The languishing lover ' and Gigue 'Teasing- the mocking of lovers'. Due to its virtuoso ornate style, this suite is quite difficult to play and it supplements the popular series STEP BY STEP for advanced players.