Johann Sebastian Bach's harpsichord concertos were likely performed at the Collegium Musicum, a group founded by Georg Philip Telemann in 1703, which met weekly for open-air or coffee house concerts.
Composition History
Bach's harpsichord concertos were often re-workings of earlier compositions, many of which were written during his time in Weimar (1708-1717) and Cöthen (1717-1723).
Performer Biography
Matthew Halls, the harpsichordist and director on this album, is also a conductor of international repute, having made significant debuts with numerous orchestras worldwide.
Instruments
The harpsichord used in this recording is a double manual instrument made by Ian Tucker, modeled after Ruckers/Hemsch, and is tuned to A = 415 Hz with 1/6 comma circulating temperament.
Cultural Impact
Bach's harpsichord concertos initiated the genre of the keyboard concerto, which later became a popular and prominent type of solo concerto in Viennese Classical music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's fascination with the structural principles of the Italian concerto is evident in his own writing, where he stretched the possibilities of the ritornello form to new heights.
