Bach from Italy: The Vivaldi & Marcello Influences

Featuring

Amandine Beyer
Gli Incogniti
Johann Sebastian Bach
Antonio Vivaldi
Alessandro Marcello
Benedetto Marcello

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Historical Context

During his lifetime, J.S. Bach was not widely renowned outside Germany, and his music was often considered erudite, dry, and outdated.

Compositional Technique

Despite a tendency towards systematic counterpoint, J.S. Bach's transcriptions of Italian slow movements show his sensitivity to minimalism and open musical spaces.

Compositional Technique

J.S. Bach's own concertos incorporate Italian elements such as spectacular virtuosity, lyrical slow movements, brilliance, and rhythmic contrasts in the ritornellos.

Album & Artwork

The album includes J.S. Bach's Concerto for three harpsichords BWV 1064, arranged for three violins, which is now believed to be the concerto's original version.

Composer Biography

J.S. Bach was exposed to Italian music, particularly Vivaldi's concertos, through Prince Johann Ernst at the court of Weimar, who spent his days studying it.

Composer's Artistic Vision

J.S. Bach's engagement with Italian concertos, particularly those of Vivaldi and the Marcello brothers, formed a fundamental part of his musical identity throughout his life.

Composition History

J.S. Bach transcribed many Italian pieces for keyboard, integrating their style into his own compositions and producing a significant number of concertante works.