Suite 1 in G Major, Z. 660 (1/4 : Prelude)

I : Prelude - Prélude

This easy Prelude is the first movement of Purcell's Suite No. 1 in G Major, Z. 660.

The three other movements are : Almand, Corant and Minuet (or Saraband in some editions).

This suite is part of A Choice Collection of Lessons for the Harpsichord or Spinnet, which was published in London in 1696.

This prelude consists mainly of a dialog of broken chords between the two hands, and ends with a perfect cadence in the main key of G Major.

Please take note that the editor has included in this score a suggested realization for the plain note and shake in measure 9 in accordance with the performance practice of the English Baroque period.

A plain note and shake, also called backfall and shake, is a typical Baroque English ornament similar to a trill with the starting (upper) note prolonged.

We have also included a performance suggestions for the opening bars of the prelude, again in accordance with the performance practice of the English Baroque period.

Duration : 00:58

Source : Henry Purcell, A Choice Collection of Lessons for the Harpsichord or Spinnet (London, 1696).