Background on J.S. Bach's French Suites

[Scarbo]

Hello.
Can anyone recommend some good reading to help me understand the different components of Bach's magnificent suites (English, French, and Partitas)?  I am studying one of the French Suites, and I think it would make for a richer understanding and interpretation of the music if I had a better knowledge of each of the "dance" types:  Allemande, Courante, Gigue, etc.  Are they really dances?  How are they danced?  What is the history of these dance styles?  What makes them French/English?

Surely people have written books about this.   I'd appreciate any recommendations.  Or perhaps someone can give a brief history/explanation here in this forum.

Thanks,
Scarbo

[bernhard]

Yes, they are indeed dances. The late Rosalyn Tureck (the “High Priestess of Bach”) was convinced that Bach wrote them to be danced to. She even went as far as getting a dance teacher to teach her the steps so that she would understand the rhythmic implications better. Another pianist who shares this opinion is Angela Hewitt (she actually trained as a ballet dancer and has said in interview that such training has had a major import in her interpretations of Bach’ music).

Here are two references:

Thoinot Arbeau: “Orchesography” (Dover)

This is a most fascinating book. Written in the form of a Socratic dialogue between Capriol, a student, and Arbeu a Dance master, it describes in detail most of the old dances. The book was first published in 1589, and the Dover edition above is not just a translation but incorporates much material that has surfaced during dance research. Don’t get put off by the date: the book is supremely readable written with great humour. Most highly recommended.

Meredith Little and Natalie Jenne: "Dance and the Music of J. S. Bach" (Indiana University Press). A great book that gives exactly the information you are after.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.