Air
Baroque works
Definition
A song-like or aria-like instrumental movement, typically in binary form with a lyrical, flowing character. In Baroque keyboard suites the air appears as an optional interlude between the core dance movements.
Historical Context
The air (or aire) appears throughout Baroque keyboard and orchestral music. Bach employed it in several partitas and suites; the Air on the G String is drawn from his Orchestral Suite No. 3. The term also appears in later Romantic piano music as a designation for song-like character pieces.
Works (7)
- French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 813: Air Key C minor
- French Suite No. 4 in E♭ major, BWV 815: Air Key E♭ major
- Partita No. 6 in E minor, BWV 830: Air Key E minor
- Air (Dublinesque), Op. 10
- A New Irish Tune – Lilliburlero (Z. 646) Key G major
- A New Scotch Tune (Z. 655) Key G major
- Sefauchi's Farewell (Z. 656) Key D minor