Brandenburg Concerto No. 6: movement 3

A Moment of Bach

This delightful jig closes out our miniseries on Brandenburg 6. Here we speak about the third movement's jumpy beats. and how these rhythmic anticipations give the whole piece a bouncy energy. Bach, the expert violist among so many other things, gives the two viola parts the most intricate material, playing off each other and passing along the musical line. Yet, in the ritornellos, he always doubles them, allowing for a rich, sweet viola tone to dominate in this delightful musical treat.

Netherlands Bach Society performs Brandenburg 6 (skip to 3rd movement); Shunske Sato, artistic director