Bach's Six Cello Suites — Which Keys?

First, a quick note: a musical "key" tells you which notes and chords are used most in a piece. "Major" keys sound bright or happy, and "minor" keys often sound sadder.

• Suite No. 1 — in G major (BWV 1007)
• Suite No. 2 — in D minor (BWV 1008)
• Suite No. 3 — in C major (BWV 1009)
• Suite No. 4 — in E♭ major (BWV 1010)
• Suite No. 5 — in C minor (BWV 1011)
• Suite No. 6 — in D major (BWV 1012)

One interesting thing: the Sixth Suite was probably written for a larger cello with an extra string, so it can sound especially rich. Today it is often played on a regular cello, sometimes with small changes.

If you want, I can also show the first few notes of each suite or play short audio examples so you can hear how the major and minor keys sound different.