CCXXII. BACH, J.S.: Harpsichord Concerto in E Major, BWV 1053

CCXXII. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)

Harpsichord Concerto in E Major, BWV 1053 (1738)
1. [Allegro]
2. Siciliano
3. Allegro
Munchener Bach Orchester
Karl Richter, harpsichord/cond.
(20:19)

When Bach stole, he stole from the very best: himself.

A good decade separates the originals from this magnificent reworking. Let's take a look:

First Movement

BWV 169:

BWV 1053:

The concerto is moved up a whole tone, and the ripieno is decorative. The solo harpsichord soon takes off on its own:

Second Movement

This siciliana is taken from the second alto aria in BWV 169. It is one of the most beautifully-spun of all of Bach's melodies:

BWV 1053:

 

Third Movement

BWV 49:

BWV 1053:

Notice the solo part, arpeggiating in 16th-note triplets down and up immediately!

For more detailed analysis see here.