In 1721, Bach dedicated a set of six concertos to the Margrave of Brandenburg, the great-uncle of the King of Prussia. A true “art of the concerto” in Bach’s own style, these “six concertos for multiple instruments” are of rare virtuosity, calling upon the strings, of course, but also various soloists such as the harpsichord and the trumpet, in a blend of styles in which the Italian concerto prevails, alongside an extraordinary command of German contrapuntal interweaving and magnificent French influences.

But the masterpiece is here: a dazzling demonstration of Bach’s genius, creating a new type of concerto that is neither truly Italian nor strictly French, but rather an original form, structured through a richly elaborate writing and melodies of evident beauty. The concertos follow one another without resembling each other, all different in their instrumentation and solo forces, yet united by Bach’s inventive energy. The result is an exceptional corpus, ranging from the early consort of viols to an orchestral form for twenty musicians including two horns and three oboes.

This work was to enjoy a legacy worthy of the treasures it contains: today it forms the foundation of chamber and orchestral music, especially in Germany, where it is considered a “bible” for instrumentalists.

Royal Opera Productions

Coming soon