Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Marshall :: The Organ Concertos

Bach?s Weimar years (1708-1717) were to produce more than half of his works for organ solo. While he had been hired at the "Red Palace" as violinist and teacher, his growth as an organist and composer of organ music were greatly enhanced by his new found interest in the latest Italian forms of composition. He was made keenly aware of the widely popular concerto grosso chiefly due to his association with his student, Johann Ernst (1698-1715) who, having recently returned from studying in Utrecht; brought back printed music to Weimar, containing some of the best new music from Italy. Especially among these were the concertos of Vivaldi (op.3, L'estro armonico). Since these works were not available in scores, it is possible that Bach made solo keyboard arrangements of some of these pieces as study scores. It is further possible that Bach may have been commissioned by young Ernst to continue the practice ? already observed ? of the blind organist, de Graaf, in Amsterd! am of performing entire orchestral concertos at the organ. In any event, the question may still remain whether these pieces are merely arrangements of other works, or indeed entirely new organ masterpieces These Italianate keyboard concertos not only add greatly to the corpus of music for the solo organ, but also bring sheer delight to listeners and a sure sense of technical mastery to every performing organist who learns them. Concerto in A Minor (BWV 593) is arranged from Vivaldi?s op. 3, no. 8 (RV 522) for two solo violins and strings. Bach?s clear indications for tutti and solo passages in his organ arrangement make perfect use of the typical two-manual organ. Concerto in C Major (BWV 595) is evidence of the young prince Ernst?s ability as a composer and the unquestionable influence of current Italian fashion. This work for organ consists of only in one movement, although a second and third movement may be seen in the same concerto as arranged by Bach for solo harpsichord (manualiter, BWV 984). Concerto in D Minor (BWV 596) is an arrangement of Vivaldi?s concerto grosso (op. 3, no. 11) for two solo violins, cello, strings and continuo. In this work one can observe one of the rare instances wherein Bach has indicated specific organ registers to be used by the organist. Concerto in C Major (BWV 594) is an arrangement of Vivaldi?s "Grosso Mogul" Concerto in D Major (op. 7, no. 5; RV 285a) for solo violin, strings, and continuo. The solo violin passages arranged by Bach are particularly striking, especially in the third movement which is a long extended cadenza, possibly rivaling his extended keyboard solo in the first movement of the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto.