J.S. Bach

The Brandenburg Concertos

 

The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach  are a collection of six instrumental works presented by Bach to Christian Ludwig, margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, in 1721 (though probably composed earlier). They are widely regarded as among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque, or any musical era.  They are, without question, Ghost of a Ne’er do Well’s most revered classical music offering.  I love them.

Bach suggested the works are Concerts avec plusieurs instruments (Concertos with several instruments) and he used the widest spectrum of orchestral instruments in daring combinations.  I could, as is my want, quite happily riddle my readers with boredom on this subject.  My discovery of this towering artistic masterpiece came by a very circuitous route involving antiquarian bookshops in Halesowen and record dealers in Harborne, trips to Munster in Germany and some best forgotten nefarious nights in the company of women with quite ill reputations.

Brandenburg Concerto Number 4 is performed by the wonderful Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PlBGw6yo

and Number 5 is here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49IOKnhX0Sk&feature=related

Enjoy!