In the Fourth Brandenburg Concerto, Bach unusually describes the two solo recorders as 'fiauti d'echo' (echo flutes).
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Neumarkt, Reitstadel, from January 14-17, 2017.
Cultural Impact
The final chorale 'Jesus bleibet meine Freude' from Cantata BWV 147 is one of Bach's most popular compositions, frequently arranged and even adapted into pop versions.
Compositional Technique
Bach's instrumental concertos, unlike his Italian models, gradually blur the distinction between solo episodes and orchestral ritornellos.
Composition History
Bach reworked his Fourth Brandenburg Concerto into the Harpsichord Concerto BWV 1057 for the Leipzig Collegium Musicum, an ensemble he took over in 1729.
Composition History
The Brandenburg Concertos, including the Second and Fourth featured on this album, were dedicated to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg in 1721.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Small gifts" refers to Bach's description of his Brandenburg Concertos as the product of his "small talents that Heaven has given me for Music."
