The Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D
Minor (BWV 1043) also known as the Double Violin
Concerto or "Bach Double", is perhaps one of the most
famous works by J. S. Bach and considered among the
best examples of the work of the late Baroque period.
Bach wrote it between 1730 and 1731 when he was the
cantor at Thomasschule, in Leipzig, Germany. Later in
1739, in Leipzig, he created an arrangement for two
harpsichords, transposed into C minor, BWV 1062. In
addition to the two soloist...(+)
The Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D
Minor (BWV 1043) also known as the Double Violin
Concerto or "Bach Double", is perhaps one of the most
famous works by J. S. Bach and considered among the
best examples of the work of the late Baroque period.
Bach wrote it between 1730 and 1731 when he was the
cantor at Thomasschule, in Leipzig, Germany. Later in
1739, in Leipzig, he created an arrangement for two
harpsichords, transposed into C minor, BWV 1062. In
addition to the two soloists, the concerto is scored
for strings and basso continuo.
The concerto is characterized by the subtle yet
expressive relationship between the violins throughout
the work. The musical structure of this piece uses
fugal imitation and much counterpoint.
A transcription of this work later became the Concerto
in C Minor for two harpsichords and string orchestra
(BWV 1062).
I took creative license with this Largo (Movement 2) of
the concerto. It is important to remember that not only
have tempos changed over historical time, but sometimes
even the ordering of terms has changed. Thus a modern
largo is slower than an adagio, but in the Baroque
period it was faster. I increased the tempo to quasi
moderato in an effort to emphasize the light and airy
melody.
Although originally composed for 2 Violins, Strings and
Basso Continuo, I created this arrangement for Flute
and Concert (Pedal) Harp.
PARTITION