Program Notes, ©2012 Lori Newman
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050 (1721)
The fifth installment of the Brandenburg concerti features the flute, violin, and harpsichord as its soloists. While music director at the court of Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen, Bach was sent on a mission to Berlin to bring back a harpsichord for use at the Köthen court. He completed his mission and then began composing music for the harpsichord which was no longer relegated to the role of accompaniment, but rather promoted to soloist.
The concerto is in the typical fast-slow-fast configuration. The first movement opens with an energetic tutti theme, eventually giving way to the trio of soloists. Small motives are passed between the soloists and the occasional technical flourish from the violin and flute lends surprise excitement. The real star however, is the harpsichord. While the harpsichord is used in all of the Brandenburgs, the fifth uses the harpsichord as the cohesive unit of the entire piece, especially the first movement. The movement ends with a lengthy cadenza-like section for the harpsichord which ultimately yields to the opening tutti theme that drives to the end of the movement.
The second movement offers a lovely repose between the frenetic first and third movements. It is scored for only the trio of soloists and no string accompaniment. The third movement is a jaunty number in 6/8 time which highlights the contrapuntal genius of Bach.
