Gavotte en Rondeau and Three Minuets

This collection of pieces for string orchestra includes the arrangements of several dances from Johann Sebastian Bach's Suite in G Minor, BWV 822: Gavotte en Rondeau and Three Minuets. The suite is one of Bach's early works for harpsichord and contains beautiful and easily recognizable melodies. These arrangements introduce young players to the Baroque music style and allow them to strengthen ensemble skills, explore the difference between major and minor keys, and learn basic techniques in the first position. Gavotte en Rondeau consists of three refrains and two contrasting episodes. Minuets I and II are identical with inverted voices, providing flexibility for instruction and performance. Minuet III finishes the cycle in parallel G major. G major and G minor scales are included at the end of the collection for warm-ups and a review of fingering in the first position (as well as the half position for double bass).