JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH

Before becoming a harpsichordist and organist, the Baroque genius Johann Sebastian Bach already was an accomplished violinist. Educated as a child by his father, a professional violinist Johann Ambrosius, he adopted great deal of knowledge and skills, as well as acquired a good understanding of the specifics of all string instruments. Only three of Bach’s original concerti for violin are extant: in A minor, in E major, and Concerto for Two Violins in D minor (BWV 1041–1043). According to Johann Nikolaus Forkel, Bach’s biographer, “there are no words adequate to describe their beauty”. Bach composed all violin concerti in Köthen (1717–1723), where he served as the Kapellmeister in Prince Leopold’s court. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in G minor, BWV 1056R was reworked from his popular Concerto for Harpsichord and Orchestra No. 5 in F minor. At the time it was customary for composers to freely rework the material of previous compositions for new works. Written in traditional three-movement form (fast-slow-fast), this concerto is of a very chamber nature. The lyrical melody in the second movement (Largo) was later recycled in Cantata No. 156 (Arioso).

Bach’s expressive score is performed by violin virtuoso Sergej Krylov and the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra. Ezio Bosso, the late Italian composer and pianist, graces the podium.