DCCCLXI. BACH, J.S.: Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major, BWV 1046

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

Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major, BWV 1046 (1721)
1. [Allegro]
2. Adagio
3. Allegro
4. Menuetto -- Trio -- Menuetto -- Polonaise -- Menuetto -- Trio -- Menuetto
Orchestra Mozart
Claudio Abbado, cond.
(18:06)

Some sections come from music Bach composed as early as 1713 -- but when he filled it all out he left us with one of the great masterpieces of music.

First movement

Four distinct instrumental groups (horns, oboes, strings and continuo) -- constantly weaving in and out of the sound texture:

These suspensions in the horns are achingly beautiful:

Later repeated a fourth higher:

Second movement

D Minor. A melody with a touch of agony is played in turn by the oboe, the piccolo violin (tuned a minor third lower), and the continuo.

The weird chords at the end -- broken up into groups of two -- lead to an A dominant seventh chord, which of course should resolve to the D Minor key of the movement.

Third movement

But instead resolves to F Major. Very festive; Vivaldi-like ...

The piccolo violin is featured -- in various instrumental combinations, as in this duet with the horn:

Fourth movement

In the first minuet, Bach moves the melody up a fifth after the first repeat.

The trio is two oboes and bassoon.

The Polonaise is stately.

The delightful final Trio is for the horns and oboes.