Recommendation for a Bach suite

[sp_mag]

Hi guys,
Can you recommend me on a good Bach Suite/Partita to begin with without a teacher?
I've played already Bach's Prelude and Fugue in Bb no. 21 from the WTC I and a few inventions (Baroque wise).
Even just saying your favorite ones to play will be helpful.
Thanks!

[visitor]

I actually really like the famous cello suite no 1, you could look for a transcription to add a LH only piece to your rep

there are other excerpts out there to be found
ie

and others, etc etc 
 

[symphonicdance]

May be French Suite No 4 or No 5.

[schumaniac]

Partita no. 2 (in C minor) is a good entry level one; very stately and somewhat melancholic.
Partita no. 1 is one of my favorites; so is 5. Both of these are very "refreshing," but demanding in technique + clarity though.

French Suite 5 is a really nice and (also) refreshing one.

Or why even learn a Bach suite? do what I did and learn one by Handel! I've been learning the 2nd suite (F major) - it starts with one of the most beautiful movements.

[robinlamott]

Does it matter>? Most of Bachs works is similar in nature anyway, he uses the same formula to generate all his counterpoint most of which is robotic. His best work with any soul is Siciliana (although I doubt if he even wrote that).

I can write in the style of Bach and I can tell you as a composer theres no inspiration or emotion required to write in that sort of style  just a good motiff and then follow that to the end. Why do you think he was able to churn out so many composition?  To compose a Nocturne in the style equivallent to that of Chopin, now that is emotionally taxing and very difficult even for a seasoned composer.
His prelude and fugues are over rated but they make good sales for publishers.

[andrewchopin11]

I suggest you english suite 3 or 4 

[roncesvalles]

Does it matter>? Most of Bachs works is similar in nature anyway, he uses the same formula to generate all his counterpoint most of which is robotic. His best work with any soul is Siciliana (although I doubt if he even wrote that).

I can write in the style of Bach and I can tell you as a composer theres no inspiration or emotion required to write in that sort of style  just a good motiff and then follow that to the end. Why do you think he was able to churn out so many composition?  To compose a Nocturne in the style equivallent to that of Chopin, now that is emotionally taxing and very difficult even for a seasoned composer.
His prelude and fugues are over rated but they make good sales for publishers.

Bach's counterpoint is filled with invention and astonishing variety.  Yours is schoolboy practice akin to faulty species exercises, filled with parallel passages (ugly and unrefined for two part works), and only local interest, with rushed cadences and elementary passage work.   Bach pushed the harmony of his time to its limit (compare to even a Handel, and you will find out how advanced his harmonies are), while your work is filled with basic patterns.   Based on what you have shared, stating that you can write in the style of Bach is delusional.

Nocturnes can be great pieces, but in the hands of a second rate composer, they are mere formulas--wide arpeggios creating a thin pedal-connected texture or basic root and chord patterns, cantabile melody--, much easier to execute than a fugue, which requires constant thought (rather than an easily accomplished chord pattern and a facile melody).