Listening to recordings of this Courante, one is surprised by the wide variety of tempi at which it is performed. The time signature of this Courante is 3/2, indicating that it is a French-style Courante. In the case of French-style Courantes, the tempo is never fast, and one should avoid giving the impression of haste.

If the tempo is set to approximately quarter note = 84, a considerably calm feeling emerges. However, if set to approximately quarter note = 140, a significant sense of speed is felt. Videos available online exhibit this range of difference. While the final tempo setting is left to the performer, if I may offer my personal opinion as the author, a tempo of approximately quarter note = 84 feels more appropriate.

Unlike the Italian Corrente, the French-style Courante was a dance intended to convey intellect and refinement, and thus did not require rapid movements. Therefore, it should be played slowly.

If a fast tempo is chosen, playing ascending figures, such as those in the right hand between the second and third beats of measure 11, at a rapid tempo inevitably conveys a certain “haste” or “anxiety.” For your reference.