The Italian Influence on Bach: A Musical Journey

In the 18th century, German royalty aimed to elevate their cultural prestige by sending envoys to Italy in search of artistic masterpieces. Although johann Sebastian Bach never traveled extensively beyond his native land, he was profoundly shaped by the artistic movements of his era. His admiration for Italian composers like Vivaldi and the Marcello brothers is well-documented; he often transcribed and reinterpreted their works, infusing them with his unique musical voice. This thoughtfully assembled double album, curated by French violinist Amandine Beyer, celebrates this Italian influence by juxtaposing Bach’s adaptations with original compositions from these renowned composers.

exploring Connections Between Composers

The parallels between these composers are striking; as a notable example, Vivaldi’s concerto for four violins served as a precursor to Bach’s own concerto for four harpsichords created about twenty-five years later! Other connections might potentially be more nuanced—consider how the opening motif of Bach’s double violin concerto echoes a theme found in one of Vivaldi’s trio sonatas, illustrating the intricate relationship between their musical styles.

Amandine Beyer’s Artistic Vision

Amandine Beyer stands out among her contemporaries in this endeavor as she collaborates with Gli Incogniti musicians to produce performances that are both lively and captivating. The enchanting essence of Vivaldi’s D minor concerto for two violins accompanied by cello resonates deeply—similarly reflected in Alessandro Marcello’s spirited oboe concerto—both having been adapted by Bach for keyboard instruments.

The Excitement of Brandenburg Concertos

The inclusion of three Brandenburg concertos within this collection truly captivates audiences! While some connections might seem tenuous at first glance, they remain captivating explorations into how these great minds influenced one another across time.