Shownotes

Bach's sixth Brandenburg Concerto is scored for an interesting combination of string instruments: two violas da braccio and two violas da gamba, along with a cello part and continuo. The lower senority of the strings may lend itself to a rich, dark sound, but the major mode of the piece certainly lightens the mood. Bach does go for our hearts in the slow movement when he presents us with a "honey chord," as I describe it, supplying an authentic climax to the middle movement. The third and final movement is a happy jig, one that every time puts a huge smile on my face, and hopefully does the same for you.

• Score, BWV 1051
• New London Consort Recording - Philip Pickett
• Philip Pickett - New Interpretation for the Brandenburg Concertos - reprint of his booklet notes for his L'Oiseau-Lyre release
• Academy of Ancient Music Recording - Richard Egarr
• Concerto Italiano Recording - Rinaldo Alessandrini
• Musica Antiqua Köln Recording - Reinhard Goebel