Compiled by our Classical Music desk.
1985 was the 300th anniversary of the birth of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti. The world of classical music went all out in commemorating the trio. Commemorative concerts were held everywhere.
Of course, the relatively new Concertzender regularly travelled to record such performances. The Bach Birthday Players, in particular, were often visited. This was an occasional ensemble of musicians active in Amsterdam who wanted to play as much Bach chamber music as possible throughout the year. To this end, they gave a concert every month.
Today we will be broadcasting parts of two concertos. We will hear partitas for solo violin, for which Bach had set himself the extremely difficult task of composing polyphonically with a single violin. We even hear works for solo cello, which is even more limiting. The sonatas with harpsichord accompaniment will also included. The violin has the first and the last word. Both the prelude from the partita in E major and the chaconne from the partita in D minor – one of Bach’s greatest masterpieces! – are sure to be a feast of recognition for many people.
Playlist
1. Partita no. 3 for solo violin in E major, BWV 1006: Preludio – Loure – Gavotte and rondeau – Menuet I and II – Bourrée – Gigue
2. Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord no. 1 in G major, BWV 1027: Adagio – Allegro – Andante – Allegro moderato
3. Suite for solo cello no. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Prelude – Allemande – Courante – Sarabande – Gavotte I and II – Gigue
4. Sonata for violin and harpsichord no. 5 in F minor, BWV 1018: [without tempo indication] – Allegro – Adagio – Vivace
5. Partita no. 2 for solo violin in D minor, BWV 1004: Allemanda – Corrente – Sarabanda – Giga – Ciaconna
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