The Brandenburg Concertos are a compilation of earlier works, with some pieces showing strong Italian influence, while others are older.
Composition History
The Brandenburg Concertos were rediscovered in 1849 by Siegfried Wilhelm Dehn, curator of the Royal Library in Berlin, more than a century after their composition.
Compositional Technique
Bach systematically explored the possibilities of the concerto form in these works, enriching it with new aspects and unique realizations.
Composition History
Bach's dedicatory preface suggests the Margrave requested the works 'a couple of years' prior, possibly after a meeting in Carlsbad in May 1718.
Instruments
The Freiburger Barockorchester used a violino piccolo from the 18th century for the solo part in the First Brandenburg Concerto, provided by violinmaker Tilman Muthesius.
Composition History
Bach dedicated these six concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg, who had expressed a desire for instrumental works for his court Kapelle.
