According to Phillip Spitta the English Suites must be regarded as Bach’s most deliberate and developed excursions in the suite form. J. Matheson says that they give ‘the picture of a contented and satisfied mind delighting in order and repose’ In these Bach combines elements of the French tradition with the south German suite type which Johann Jacob Froberger had originated. He also assimilates some Italian influences. His ability though, to give varied forms …showed first 75 words of 396 total…

…showed last 75 words of 396 total…of the bar produces a richer feeling for the melody. The sequence, that starts with the tonic, descents gradually to VII, then to v and climbs to VII7 in the beginning of bar 4. It then goes back to V again. Bach approaches these chords using their seventh notes (it is E flat for VII, C in the right hand for v, D for VII7 and later C for V in the third beat of bar 4.)