Program

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F Major, BWV 1046

1. [Allegro]

2. Adagio

3. Allegro

4. Menuet – Trio I – Menuet da capo – Polacca – Menuet da capo – Trio II – Menuet da capo

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047

1. [Allegro]

2. Andante

3. Allegro assai

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048

1. [Allegro]

2. Adagio

3. Allegro

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major, BWV 1049

1. Allegro

2. Andante

3. Presto

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050

1. Allegro

2. Affettuoso

3. Allegro

Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B Flat Major, BWV 1051

1. [Alla breve]

2. Adagio ma non tanto

3. Allegro

Václav Luks conducts J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos

With the Collegium 1704

Subscribers

Cast

Collegium 1704 — Orchestra

Václav Luks — Conductor

Program notes

How does one define humanity’s greatest achievement since its inception? In 1977, NASA faced this very question when it launched a capsule into space carrying a "Golden Record"—a phonograph record containing a sample of human excellence. Among the final selections is the first movement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.

Bach composed these concertos in 1724 for Margrave Christian-Louis of Brandenburg-Schwedt. Hoping to secure a position in Berlin, the German composer used them as a true testing ground: he experimented with styles, forms, genres, and instrumental structures, demonstrating his full genius in these works that approach perfection. The six concertos resonate here within the Hall of Mirrors at Köthen Castle in the skilled hands of the musicians of Collegium 1704 and their conductor Václav Luks. The choice of venue is no coincidence, as Bach was staying at the court of Köthen when he set to work on Margave’s commission. Within these history-steeped walls, legendary works came into being.

A closer look: featured composers

Johann Sebastian Bach

Further listening: featured works

Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer)