Bach, J. S. (2025). Concerto in E Minor for Guitar and Piano (after the harpsichord concerto in F Minor, BWV 1056). [Ed. Ivanovich, D.]

Abstract

J. S. Bach’s musical language is, probably, one of the most universal and suitable music textures that exist. Therefore, his pieces can be faithfully interpreted on any instrument, regarding the nature of its sound production. It is largely believed that Concerto BWV 1056 (cca. 1738), written for harpsichord concertato and accompanied by two violins, viola & basso continuo, represents an arrangement of one of the lost concerti, possibly for violin or oboe. The 2nd movement, Largo, was previously used as the opening Sinfonia from Cantata Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe BWV 156 (I stand with one Foot in the Grave) [1727 or 1729], with, indeed, an oboe carrying the main melodic line. The present adaptation of the BWV 1056 for guitar & piano follows the same premise like J. S. Bach himself had when he elaborated the arrangement of this concerto for harpsichord: to make an instrument, mainly used for accompaniment in chamber music, serve as a soloist. It is worth mentioning that the original register of BWV 1056 is largely maintained in the guitar part, in order to faithfully preserve the original music texture of J. S. Bach’s score.