Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Masato Suzuki
Orchestra: Bach Collegium Japan
Conductor: Masato Suzuki
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: BIS
Catalogue: BIS2481
Release: 2022
Size: 1.21 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Harpsichord Concerto No. 6 in F Major, BWV 1057
01. I. —
02. II. Andante
03. III. Allegro assai
Harpsichord Concerto No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
04. I. Allegro
05. II. Larghetto
06. III. Allegro ma non tanto
Harpsichord Concerto No. 7 in G Minor, BWV 1058
07. I. —
08. II. Andante
09. III. Allegro assai
Harpsichord Concerto No. 3 in D major, BWV 1054
10. I. —
11. II. Adagio e piano sempre
12. III. Allegro
The concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach for solo harpsichord and strings are some of the earliest, if not the very first, keyboard concertos. In all likelihood Bach wrote them for his own use (or that of his talented sons) – probably to be performed with Leipzig’s Collegium Musicum. The concertos’ fresh and exuberant character reflects how much Bach enjoyed the opportunity to engage with his fellow musicians. Despite how idiomatic they may sound, many of Bach’s harpsichord concertos are almost certainly transcriptions of earlier works written for other instruments. Of the works presented on this second volume, BWV 1054 and BWV 1058 are adaptations of violin concertos composed while the composer was living in Cöthen. The model for BWV 1055 has been lost but it is believed to be a concerto for oboe or viola d’amore. BWV 1057, finally, is an adaptation of the well-known Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, transposed down one step but retaining the original’s two recorders. As examples of musical recycling, these works display Bach’s uncanny ability to re-use successful music ideas and give them a new meaning and significance.