J.S. Bach's Application of the Baroque Violin Concerto in His Violin Concerti in A minor, BWV 1041 and E Major, BWV 1042

Authors

Stephanie Krell, University of Nebraska at KearneyFollow

Abstract

Concerti from the Baroque to contemporary times stand as one of the pillars of the violin repertoire. The form initially developed in the 1600s as composers experimented with groups of performers. It became increasingly standardized in the early 1700s, with the violin concerto advancing as a favored application. Several Baroque composers contributed characteristics that were absorbed into the violin concerti of the period, including Arcangelo Correlli, Giuseppe Torelli and Antonio Vivaldi.

Johann Sebastian Bach analyzed the traits of violin concerti from earlier and contemporaneous composers, incorporating certain features while modifying others in his own works. This may be observed in his Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 and Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042, the only two of his violin concerti currently known in their original configuration.[1] In examining his interpretation of the genre, one notes Bach’s broadened use of the ritornello form, the integration of Italian and French styles, the density of texture, as well as his unique interpretation of cadence, cadenza, and ornamentation.

Recommended Citation

Krell, Stephanie (2023) "J.S. Bach's Application of the Baroque Violin Concerto in His Violin Concerti in A minor, BWV 1041 and E Major, BWV 1042," Graduate Review: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://openspaces.unk.edu/grad-review/vol3/iss1/1