6.3 Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and violin concertos

Bach's Brandenburg Concertos revolutionized the concerto genre. He used unique combinations of solo instruments, blending their voices with the ensemble in complex ways. This approach created rich textures and intricate dialogues, pushing the boundaries of the concerto grosso form.

Bach's violin concertos showcase his mastery of the instrument's capabilities. These works feature challenging technical passages, expressive melodies, and energetic movements that demand virtuosity from the soloist. The concertos highlight the violin's range, from lyrical beauty to dazzling agility.

Baroque Concertos

Features of Brandenburg Concertos

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• Six concertos each featuring a different combination of solo instruments
  • Concerto No. 1 includes 2 natural horns (corni da caccia), 3 oboes, bassoon, violino piccolo, 2 violins, viola, cello, basso continuo
  • Concerto No. 2 features trumpet, recorder, oboe, violin, basso continuo
  • Concerto No. 3 showcases 3 violins, 3 violas, 3 cellos, basso continuo
  • Concerto No. 4 highlights violin, 2 recorders, basso continuo
  • Concerto No. 5 prominently features harpsichord, violin, flute, basso continuo
  • Concerto No. 6 includes 2 violas, 2 violas da gamba, cello, basso continuo
• Unconventional solo instrument combinations showcase Bach's creativity and experimentation in composing for diverse timbres and textures
• Integration of solo instruments into the ensemble creates a more cohesive sound blending the distinct voices of the soloists with the accompaniment
• Expansion of the concerto grosso form with more complex interplay between soloists and ensemble through intricate dialogues and complementary passages

Solo vs ensemble interplay

• Concerto No. 2, first movement:
  • Trumpet, recorder, oboe, and violin engage in a lively dialogue exchanging melodic lines and figurations
  • Ensemble provides a supportive role, punctuating the soloists' passages with rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment
• Concerto No. 4, second movement:
  • Violin and two recorders alternate between solo passages and ensemble playing creating a dynamic contrast between the featured instruments and the accompaniment
  • Basso continuo provides a foundation for the soloists' melodic lines with a steady harmonic and rhythmic base
• Concerto No. 5, first movement:
  • Harpsichord emerges as a prominent solo instrument, with virtuosic passages showcasing the instrument's technical capabilities and expressive range
  • Violin and flute complement the harpsichord's solo sections with melodic lines that intertwine with the keyboard's figurations
  • Ensemble acts as an accompaniment, supporting the soloists' material with harmonies and rhythmic punctuations

Bach's concertos vs contemporaries

• Vivaldi's concertos:
  • Typically feature a single solo instrument (often violin) as the focal point of the composition
  • Clear distinction between solo and tutti sections with the soloist taking the lead in solo passages and the ensemble responding in tutti sections
  • Emphasis on virtuosity and technical brilliance of the soloist through challenging figurations and expressive melodies
• Bach's Brandenburg Concertos:
  • Feature multiple solo instruments in unique combinations showcasing diverse timbres and textures
  • Blurred lines between solo and tutti sections, with more integration of soloists into the ensemble through dialogues and complementary passages
  • Focus on the interplay and dialogue between soloists and ensemble rather than solely on the soloist's virtuosity
  • Greater complexity in compositional techniques and harmonies exploring the potential of the concerto grosso form

Bach's Violin Concertos

Virtuosity in Bach's violin concertos

• Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041:
  • Challenging technical passages for the solo violin, including double stops (playing two notes simultaneously) and rapid figurations
  • Expressive melodies in the slow movement, showcasing the violin's lyrical capabilities and emotional depth
  • Energetic and dance-like final movement, with intricate solo passages demanding agility and precision from the soloist
• Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042:
  • Brilliant and virtuosic writing for the solo violin, with extensive use of high positions exploring the upper range of the instrument
  • Graceful and ornate melodies in the slow movement, highlighting the violin's expressive range and the soloist's ability to shape phrases
  • Lively and spirited final movement, with complex solo passages and ensemble interplay requiring technical mastery and musical sensitivity
• Double Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043:
  • Two solo violins engage in a musical dialogue, with imitative and complementary passages showcasing the interplay between the soloists
  • Slow movement features expressive and intertwining melodies between the two solo violins, demonstrating their ability to blend and communicate musically
  • Energetic and technically demanding final movement, showcasing the virtuosity of both soloists through rapid figurations, double stops, and intricate passages