Musical Moment #4: Brandenburg Marathon

Another great concert moment. My first job out of college was in telemarketing, and one of my workmates became a good friend. We shared many interests, including music. In the early 80s I was discovering Baroque music. When the Eastman School of Music had a “marathon” of the six Brandenburg Concertos, we attended. It was a delight.

Johann Sebastian Bach isn’t my favorite composer, but these pieces are by far my favorite of his. They are also my favorite of the 18th century. Just love the variety in assembling the various instruments and how they are voiced, and they share and exchange themes. I know these are performed occasionally by larger ensembles or even orchestras. Not a fan of that. After I heard the chamber music performed about ten feet in front of me, nothing quite tops that.

About catholicsensibility

Todd lives in Minnesota, serving a Catholic parish as a lay minister.
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2 Responses to Musical Moment #4: Brandenburg Marathon

  1. Liam says:

    You may not realize that there’s a bit of a historical argument over how exclusively Bach intended the Tromba part in the 2nd concerto (BWV 1047) to be executed. It’s almost always played on trumpet, but it also can be played (an octave lower) on horn. I will post a link to a YewTube of live performance of that approach.

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