Brandenberg Concerto No. 5 in D major
J.S. Bach 1685-1750
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist and violinist of the Baroque (end of 17th Century- early 18th Century) period.
He is regarded as one of the great composers of all time and his great skill in harmony influenced composers for generations.
Many of Bach's works are still known today, such as the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the The Well-Tempered Clavier, his cantatas, chorales, and organ works. His music is revered for its intellectual depth, technical command, and artistic beauty. The Brandenberg concertos were written in honour of the Margrave of Brandenberg, Bach's patron in 1721, the early 18th Century. A Concerto grosso is a work for chamber (small) orchestra where a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with a larger group, (ripieno or tutti).
He is regarded as one of the great composers of all time and his great skill in harmony influenced composers for generations.
Many of Bach's works are still known today, such as the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the The Well-Tempered Clavier, his cantatas, chorales, and organ works. His music is revered for its intellectual depth, technical command, and artistic beauty. The Brandenberg concertos were written in honour of the Margrave of Brandenberg, Bach's patron in 1721, the early 18th Century. A Concerto grosso is a work for chamber (small) orchestra where a small group of soloists (concertino) contrasted with a larger group, (ripieno or tutti).
Features of the Baroque (17th - early 18th Century) Era
Small Ensembles of instruments.
Use of Harpsichord/Organ with cello/ bass in the basso continuo part, using figured bass. This is where the harpsichord player plays chords indicated by numbers under the bass notes on his music.
Polyphonic textures. Devices such as Canon and Imitation were frequent.
Melodies were long and elaborate using ornamentation, like trills, and turns.
Dynamics less extreme than later music. Terraced dynamics were also common.
Small Ensembles of instruments.
Use of Harpsichord/Organ with cello/ bass in the basso continuo part, using figured bass. This is where the harpsichord player plays chords indicated by numbers under the bass notes on his music.
Polyphonic textures. Devices such as Canon and Imitation were frequent.
Melodies were long and elaborate using ornamentation, like trills, and turns.
Dynamics less extreme than later music. Terraced dynamics were also common.
Below are 2 different videos of the first movement of the Concerto. Notice how the Concertina, soloists consisting of a violin, flute and harpsichord, contrast with the tutti, or ripieno or full ensemble.
1st Movement - Allegro
Below is the Ritornello (returning) theme, that's heard throughout the first movement of the work. The start of this theme is based on chord 1, which is also known as the doh chord. Then there is a descending scale before it goes back to the doh chord. Be careful if music of this theme is printed in the exam. Check what key it's in at that point by observing the first 8 notes. Note; There will not be a new key signature put in every time a small section of the work is in a different key.
Metre is 4 (4/4). Tempo is Allegro, (lively)
Metre is 4 (4/4). Tempo is Allegro, (lively)
Between all these versions of the Ritornello theme are 6 episodes which are all different from each other. Each of these episodes features the concertino (small group of soloists). The episodes are full of sequences and imitation. Here is the 1st episode. Notice only 3 instruments are used. Also try to hear the imitation (copying like "Row Your Boat") between the flute and the violin and sequences in the same melodic line. Sometimes it can be very helpful to see these things on the video as well as hear them
DON'T FORGET THE MOST COMMON EXAM QUESTION IS RECOGNISING THE INSRTRUMENTS THAT PLAY THE MAIN MELODIES (THEMES). Use the videos as a visual aid to help you get used to the sound of the instruments.
DON'T FORGET THE MOST COMMON EXAM QUESTION IS RECOGNISING THE INSRTRUMENTS THAT PLAY THE MAIN MELODIES (THEMES). Use the videos as a visual aid to help you get used to the sound of the instruments.
After the 6th episode is the harpsichord Cadenza, a solo where the player gets to show his/her dexterity. Often some or all of the Cadenza is improvised. Also notice the amount of ornamentation, scale passages and quotes from the ritornello theme in the Cadenza
2nd Movement - Affetuoso (with affection)
The 2nd movement features only the concertina, (3 solo instruments). The whole point of the 2nd movement is to provide a contrast with the 1st movement.
The differences between the 2 movements are;
Instruments, - only 3 (the concertino or soloists) in the 2nd movement. Full chamber orchestra in the first.
Tempo - 2nd movent is slow. First movement is Allegro which means lively.
Tonality (1st movement is major, 2nd movement minor.) The 2nd movement is in the key of B minor.
Rhythm - dotted rhythm features all through the%2
The differences between the 2 movements are;
Instruments, - only 3 (the concertino or soloists) in the 2nd movement. Full chamber orchestra in the first.
Tempo - 2nd movent is slow. First movement is Allegro which means lively.
Tonality (1st movement is major, 2nd movement minor.) The 2nd movement is in the key of B minor.
Rhythm - dotted rhythm features all through the%2
Similarities between the 2 movements include;
Lots of ornamentation, sequences and imitation. Both movements are in Ritornello form. Also both movements are in 4/4 time.
Lots of ornamentation, sequences and imitation. Both movements are in Ritornello form. Also both movements are in 4/4 time.