The Suite in G major, Z. 660, is a keyboard suite by Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695). It forms part of the collection known as the Eight Suites (Z. 660 – Z. 667), composed for the harpsichord in the late 1680s or early 1690s.

Structure

The suite follows the typical English Baroque sequence of dance movements. A common movement layout (as in the Complete Keyboard Works, ed. Howard Ferguson, 1956) is:

1. Prelude

2. Almand

3. Corant

4. Minuet

Background

Purcell’s keyboard suites draw on both the English virginalist tradition (Byrd, Gibbons) and the contemporary French style of ordre established by Couperin. The G major suite (Z. 660) is notable for its harmonic clarity and rhythmic buoyancy. It may have been intended for domestic performance rather than public concert use.

The Eight Suites were first collected and published posthumously in 1696 as part of A Choice Collection of Lessons for the Harpsichord or Spinnet, issued by Henry Playford.

Reception

Modern scholars and performers view the G major suite as one of Purcell’s most approachable works for keyboard students and recitalists. It is frequently recorded within complete editions of the Keyboard Works and performed on both harpsichord and modern piano.