J.S. Bach: The Transcriptions of Concertos by Vivaldi and the Marcello brothers

Featuring

Sophie Yates
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Instruments

These harpsichord transcriptions are innovative and demand a double-manual harpsichord to contrast solo passages with ritornelli and express dynamic contrasts.

Historical Context

Vivaldi's L'estro armonico, Op. 3, was 'the most influential music publication of the first half of the eighteenth century,' according to the New Grove Dictionary.

Compositional Technique

Bach often transposed the original concertos into different keys, mainly to fit the compass of his harpsichord, but also to fill out textures and add ornaments.

Composition History

J.S. Bach's harpsichord arrangements of concertos by Vivaldi and the Marcello brothers date from 1713–14, when Bach was at the ducal court in Weimar.

Performer Biography

Sophie Yates, the harpsichordist, won the international Erwin Bodky competition at the Boston Early Music Festival and performs regularly worldwide.

Composition History

The young Prince Johann Ernst of Saxe-Weimar, who discovered Vivaldi's Op. 3 concertos in Holland, was likely the driving force behind Bach's transcriptions.

Compositional Technique

Bach's transcriptions for harpsichord artfully adapt string writing to the keyboard, making it sound natural to the instrument while retaining the original character and brilliance.