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Johann Sebastian Bach

Concerto for 4 Harpsichords in A minor, BWV 1065

Johann Sebastian Bach Prices start from 7,90€

Johann Sebastian Bach composed the Concerto for Four Harpsichords in A minor, BWV 1065, whilst he was cantor in Leipzig, probably between 1730 and 1735. This work is an adaptation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins in B flat minor, Op. 3 No. 10, taken from the famous collection *L’estro armonico*.

Bach retained the three-movement structure (Allegro – Largo – Allegro), but rewrote the four solo parts for harpsichords and also adapted the orchestral accompaniment. In doing so, he gave the concerto a sound all of its own, whilst remaining faithful to the compositional structure of Vivaldi’s work. The four soloists constantly exchange motifs and engage in dialogue with one another, whilst the string orchestra provides cohesion and rhythmic support. The slow middle movement offers a moment of respite with a more subdued character, after which the lively final movement restores energy to the whole.

This concerto demonstrates how Bach studied Italian concert forms and incorporated them into his own musical language. Today, it is performed on both historical harpsichords and modern pianos.

Anecdote

In Gottfried Zimmermann’s bustling café in Leipzig, around 1730, one could hear not only the clinking of cups, but also the utterly innovative sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach. To perform the spectacular Concerto BWV 1065, no fewer than four giant harpsichords had to be crammed onto the small stage at once. Amidst the thick tobacco smoke and the aroma of fresh coffee, Bach probably took his place, accompanied by his own sons, behind the keys for an unparalleled musical spectacle.

Famous performances

  • Bach - Concerto in A minor BWV 1065 - Netherlands Bach society
  • Bach - Concerto for 4 Pianos BWV 1065 (Argerich, Kissin, Levine, Pletnev), Verbier, July 22, 2002

Complete work (3 Movements)


Founders' Edition
All future Full-version features included at no extra cost.

44,90€
24,90€

 

This concerto contains the following Movements: