Bourrée in E minor

"Bourrée in E minor" is a popular lute piece, the fifth movement from "Suite in E minor for Lute", BWV 996 (BC L166) written by Johann Sebastian Bach. Though it was written for the lute, it may be played with other string instruments, such as the guitar, mandola or mandocello, and keyboard instruments, and it is especially well-known among guitarists [cite web | author=Elizabeth T. Knuth | title=Bourrée |url=http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~eknuth/mandotab/bourree.html |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] . The tempo of the piece should be fairly quick and smooth, since it was written to be a dance. It also demonstrates contrary counterpoint, as the two voices play opposite of one another.

Media

In classical music

Robert Schumann quotes the first 14 notes of this memorable theme (transposed to G minor) in #3 of the six Op.60 Fugues on B-A-C-H, where he neatly combines it with the Bb A C B motif. There also appears to be an echo of this reference in the next fugue, #4.

In popular culture

The piece has been used by a number of musicians:
*Paul McCartney has said in interviews and on tours that the songs "Blackbird" and "Jenny Wren" were both inspired by variations and alterations to the bourrée [cite web | author=Bass Player | title=He Can Work It Out|url=http://www.bassplayer.com/article/he-can-work/oct-05/13698 |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] .
*Led Zeppelin has used this piece in live performances while playing "Heartbreaker" [cite web | author=Songfacts | title=Heartbreaker by Led Zeppelin|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=314/ |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] .
*Jethro Tull used the piece the third track in their 1969 album "Stand Up" called "Bourée" [cite web | author=SOLO - Sense of Life Objectivists | title=Classical Influence in Popular Music|url=http://www.solopassion.com/node/971 |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] .
*Tenacious D used it for their songs, "Rock Your Socks" and "Classico", which was played in "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny" [cite web | author=Kickass Classical | title=The Most Popular Classical Music|url=http://www.kickassclassical.com/ |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] .
*Yngwie Malmsteen has also been known to integrate this, among other works by Bach, into his live sets [cite web | author=Chordie | title=Bachs Bouree by Yngwie Malmsteen |url=http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.ultimate-guitar.com/print.php?what=tab&id=211377 |accessdate=2007-12-18 ] .

ee also

*List of compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach
*Bourrée

References

External links

*
* [http://members.tripod.com/~Braumeister/Music/Bach_Bourree996.PDF Sheet Music]
* [http://www.oreshko.co.uk/bachBourree.htm Guitar Information]
* [http://www.cupofwonder.com/standup2.html The Origin of Jethro Tull's Bourrée]