Context
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 in F by J.S Bach
J.S Bach composed 6 Brandenburg Concertos in about 1721. Each concerto is written for a different set of instruments and at the time, Bach was considered to be quite daring in his instrumental combinations. The trumpet part in Brandenburg concerto no.2 is still thought to be one of the most challenging parts for the instrument to play.
Listen For
The 4 solo instruments (trumpet, oboe, violin, flute). This group is called the concertino.
The accompanying string ensemble is called the ‘ripieno’.
The structure of this piece is ‘ritornello’ form: the opening 8-bar tutti ‘ritornello’ section keeps returning by alternating with sections for the soloists.
Things To Consider
- How does Bach keep the momentum going?
- How does Bach vary the musical texture?