11.2 Bach's orchestral suites and concertos

Bach's orchestral suites are multi-movement works featuring dance movements like Allemande and Courante. They typically open with an Ouverture in a slow, stately rhythm followed by a fast, imitative middle section. These suites showcase Bach's mastery of orchestral writing.

Bach's concertos highlight solo instruments like violin and harpsichord. The famous Brandenburg Concertos feature various solo instruments in different combinations. These works often use ritornello form, alternating between full orchestra and solo sections, showcasing virtuosic playing.

Orchestral Suites

Types of Bach's orchestral suites

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• Orchestral suites consist of multi-movement works for orchestra typically featuring dance movements such as Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Bourrée, Minuet, and Gigue
  • Suite No. 1 in C major (BWV 1066)
  • Suite No. 2 in B minor (BWV 1067) features solo flute in several movements
  • Suite No. 3 in D major (BWV 1068) includes the famous "Air on the G String"
  • Suite No. 4 in D major (BWV 1069)
• Ouverture serves as the opening movement in a slow, stately rhythm with a fast, imitative middle section

Concertos and Orchestral Works

Solo instruments in Bach's concertos

• Violin concertos showcase the solo violin
  • Violin Concerto in A minor (BWV 1041)
  • Violin Concerto in E major (BWV 1042)
  • Double Violin Concerto in D minor (BWV 1043) features two solo violins
• Harpsichord concertos highlight the solo harpsichord
  • Concerto for Harpsichord in D minor (BWV 1052)
  • Concerto for Harpsichord in E major (BWV 1053)
  • Concerto for Harpsichord in D major (BWV 1054)
• Brandenburg Concertos comprise a set of six concertos featuring various solo instruments
  • No. 1 in F major (BWV 1046) solo violin, three oboes, bassoon, and two horns
  • No. 2 in F major (BWV 1047) solo trumpet, recorder, oboe, and violin
  • No. 3 in G major (BWV 1048) three violins, three violas, and three cellos
  • No. 4 in G major (BWV 1049) solo violin and two recorders
  • No. 5 in D major (BWV 1050) solo flute, violin, and harpsichord
  • No. 6 in B-flat major (BWV 1051) two solo violas and cello

Structure of Bach's orchestral works

• Ritornello form commonly appears in Baroque concertos featuring alternation between tutti (full orchestra) and solo sections
  • Tutti sections present the main thematic material
  • Solo sections showcase the virtuosity of the soloist(s)
• Concerto grosso refers to a type of concerto featuring a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with the full orchestra (ripieno)
  • Bach's Brandenburg Concertos exemplify concerti grossi
• Fugal and imitative textures often appear in Bach's orchestral works
  • Fugue a contrapuntal composition in which a short melody (subject) is introduced and then imitated by other voices
  • Canon a contrapuntal technique in which a melody is strictly imitated by one or more voices

French vs Italian influence on Bach

• French influence
  • Ouverture the opening movement of Bach's orchestral suites inspired by the French overture style
  • Dance movements Bach's suites include stylized versions of French court dances (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande)
  • Ornamentation French-style ornaments such as trills, mordents, and turns
• Italian influence
  • Concerto style Bach's concertos particularly the violin and harpsichord concertos were influenced by Italian composers (Vivaldi)
  • Ritornello form the alternation between tutti and solo sections a hallmark of Italian concertos
  • Virtuosic solo passages showcasing the technical skill of the soloist a feature of Italian concertos