CXXX. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)
It is astonishing that the six Brandenburg concerti -- so beloved and oft-performed today -- never received a performance during Bach's lifetime!
This massive package of greatness -- copied out in Bach's own hand -- was dedicated to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, who had previously shown an interest in Bach's music.
Apparently, the music was too difficult for the court musicians to play.
As is the case with much Bach, the manuscript lay untouched until the mid-19th-century (published in 1850).
The Sixth is a marvel of wonders -- still today, considered one of the greatest pieces of chamber music ever written.
The work is written specifically with a rich burnished tenor quality, using two viola da braccio (arms; more or less the same as the modern viola), two viola da gamba (legs; often called simply a "viol") and continuo.
In this (magnificent) performance, the cellist is seated beween the two gambas.
First Movement
Notice the rich contrapuntal texture created by the canon of a half-beat in the violas!
Second Movement
The gambas take a rest.
Stately, magnificent slow movement:
Third Movement
A gigue.
Check out this version of the piece -- called Branden Burger -- by my old friend, Danny Seidenberg, and his group Unbande ...
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