Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 for violin and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach
Urtext edition by Martin Schelhaas. Markings and performance notes by Andrew Manze. Published by Barenreiter
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 wrote his Violin Concerto Non A minor, BWV 1041 in the Baroque Italian style, possibly modeled on the concertos of Antonio Vivaldi. The first movement is set in ritornello form; the second movement is defined by harmonic variation, anchored by an ostinato pattern in the bass. The finale has a dance-like energy, with striking bariolage figures in the solo violin. Since its rediscovery in the19th century, it has become more popular with violinists. This Barenreiter Urtext edition by Martin Schelhaas contains markings and performance notes by violinist Andrew Manze and includes marked and unmarked parts. Intermediate-advanced level, Grade 4.
