Collegia musica, like the one Bach directed, often performed in coffee houses in Leipzig, which served as concert venues in the absence of dedicated halls.
Composer Biography
Johann Sebastian Bach directed the first collegium musicum in Leipzig from 1729 to 1737, and again from 1739 for several more years, producing an estimated six hundred concerts.
Composition History
Bach composed his concertos and suites, including those on this album, specifically for the collegium musicum performances he directed in Leipzig.
Compositional Technique
The Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, uniquely scored for strings and continuo, features two violas and two viole da gamba, with violins excluded, creating a distinctive monochrome sound.
Historical Context
In Bach's time, there were no permanent orchestras outside of courts; cities formed temporary orchestras, called collegia musica, mainly composed of university students.
Composition History
The Concerto for three harpsichords and strings in D minor was likely an adaptation of an earlier concerto, possibly for three violins, and showcased the talents of Bach's sons and gifted pupils.
Composition History
The Concerto for harpsichord and strings in F minor is believed to be an adaptation of lost concertos for violin and oboe, with its middle movement also used in Bach's Cantata BWV 156.
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Bach: Complete Solo Concertos Vol. 2
Bach, J.S.: The Complete Orchestral Works
Bach: Concerts avec plusieurs instruments - I
Johann Sebastian Bach: Harpsichord Concertos (Schornsheim, New Bach Collegium Musicum, Glaetzner)
