Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G major, BWV 1049

Introduction

The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 1046–1051, original title: Six Concerts à plusieurs instruments) 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 some of the best orchestral compositions of the Baroque era.

No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049

Title on autograph score: Concerto 4^to à Violino Principale, due Fiauti d'Echo, due Violini, una Viola è Violone in Ripieno, Violoncello è Continuo.

1. Allegro
2. Andante in E minor
3. Presto

Concertino: violin and two recorders (described in the original score as "fiauti d'echo").

Ripieno: two violins, viola, cello, violone and basso continuo

Duration: about 16 minutes

The violin part in this concerto is extremely virtuosic in the first and third movements. In the second movement, the violin provides a bass when the concertino group plays unaccompanied.

It has been debated what instrument Bach had in mind for the "fiauti d'echo" parts. Nowadays these are usually played on alto recorders, although traverse flutes are sometimes used instead: it is also theorized Bach's original intent may have been the flageolet.

Bach adapted the 4th Brandenburg concerto as a harpsichord concerto, BWV 1057.