No 210 A Competition between Instruments

J. S. Bach: Brandenburgisches Konzert Nr. 5 D-Dur, BWV 1050 • J. S. Bach: Konzert c-Moll, BWV 1060 • J. S. Bach: Konzert C-Dur, BWV 1061.2 • W. F. Bach: Konzert F-Dur, Fk 10 (BR-WFB A 12) • J. S. Bach: Konzert d-Moll, BWV 1043

Artists: Pierre Hantaï (harpsichord), Zefira Valova (violin), Tuomo Suni (violin), Helsinki Baroque Orchestra, direction: Aapo Häkkinen (harpsichord)

The composer and music critic Johann Gottfried Walther, a distant relative of Bach, published his »Musicalisches Lexicon«, which provides extremely precise information about musical terminology at the time of Bach, in Leipzig in 1732. Under the term »concerto« Walther notes that it refers to »pieces which are set in such a way that at certain times one part stands out and simultaneously competes with the others.« The Helsinki Baroque Orchestra takes this definition literally and with selected concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach and his eldest son Wilhelm Friedemann organises a veritable competition between solo instruments. A win-win situation for everyone present.