Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major, BWV 1051 for two violas and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach
Edited by Watson Forbes. Published by C.F. Peters
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer of the Baroque period and widely considered one of the greatest composers in the Western canon. He carefully studied the work of his forebears and contemporaries, incorporating intricate counterpoint and harmonic innovations into a sophisticated style that represents the zenith of the Baroque tradition. Though he wrote predominantly religious music-including several passions and over 200 cantatas-he is most celebrated today for his profoundly moving instrumental music, including concertos, suites, and sonatas, including many for strings-such as his Cello Suites and Sonatas and Partitas for violin.
Bach's six Brandenburg Concertos, BWV 1046-51 are some of his most enduring works, written for Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt as a possible musical resume. It is an extraordinary collection, with a dazzling amount of variety and invention. Concerto No. 6, BWV 1051 is unique it casts two violists as soloists-a rare combination indeed! It has since been recognized as the crowning masterpiece of the two viola repertory. Includes piano score and two viola parts. Advanced level, Grade 5.