Bach compiled his 'finest, most magnificent and elaborate concertos' into a single volume for Margrave Christian Ludwig, with the permission of his employer, Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Some scholars, including Philipp Pickett and Michael Marissen, suggest that Bach conceived the Brandenburg Concertos as a Baroque allegory of princely power, with each concerto representing a virtue embodied by an ancient god.
Composition History
The Brandenburg Concertos were sent to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt, who had been impressed by Bach's music during a visit to Berlin in 1719.
Historical Context
The original title of the works was 'Concerts avec plusieurs instruments' (Concertos with several instruments); the common title 'Brandenburg Concertos' was given in the 19th century by Bach biographer Philipp Spitta.
Performer Biography
The Neumeyer Consort, founded in 2007, is the 'Ensemble in Residence' for the Frankfurt Kaisersaalkonzerte and performs at numerous international festivals.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Brandenburg Concertos are considered Bach's 'Design for a well-appointed court ensemble', showcasing the possibilities of the Italian concerto genre and ideal instrumentation for a court orchestra.
Compositional Technique
Bach's Brandenburg Concertos do not conform to standard Italian concerto structures like violin concertos or concerti grossi, instead extending these forms with obbligato wind instruments to create a unique 'contest' between instruments.
