Thursday 30 December 2010
Tune of the Day: Forlane by J.S. Bach
from Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C major
This is the central movement of Johann Sebastian Bach's first orchestral suite, or overture as it is sometimes called. It is a forlane, also spelled furlana or friulana, a fast-paced Italian folk dance which originated in the province of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and which reached its popularity peak during Bach's lifetime.
The melody of this particular Forlane is played in perfect unison by two oboes and the first violin, while the second violin and the viola provide a flowing accompaniment.