A work by which classical music master inspired Jethro Tull’s “Bourée”?

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote “Bourrée in E minor” as the fifth movement of his “Suite in E minor”. It was and remains a favorite piece of music for guitarists. Although woodwind music had virtually never before been the basis of a rock-and-roll song, Ian Anderson of British rock band Jethro Tull played its melody on the flute for the group’s 1969 album, “Stand Up”.

“Bourrée in E minor” also represents musical evolution. The bourrée began in France as a quick dance that was popular among both common people and royalty, but Bach’s piece is not for dancing, although it uses some dance expressions. And Bach’s score was written in a traditional form, rather than the “tablature” used to fashion lute music.

Other rock musicians have also turned to Bach’s work. It inspired Paul McCartney to write the songs “Blackbird” and “Jenny Wren”. Led Zeppelin incorporated a version of Bourrée into live performances of their song “Heartbreaker”. Bakerloo’s interpretation, called “Drivin Bachwards” was released as a 1969 single and appeared on their 1970 album, “Bakerloo”.

Other artists using the Bach composition include Tenacious D, Yngwie Malmsteen. Leo Kottke, Lenny Breau, Alter Bridge, Jam-80, and Blizzard. Jethro Tull used other versions of their “Bourée” in “The Jethro Tull Christmas Album” and “A Little Light Music”.