Branndenburg Concerto for Violin, 2 Flutes, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049

Presto


  • Recorded: 1951
  • Record Place: Wien
  • First Release: 1953
  • (P) 1953 SUPRAPHON a.s.
  • Genre: Orchestral

Artists

  • music by: Johann Sebastian Bach
  • conductor: Josef Mertin
  • musical group: Members of Weiner Kammerorchester

Album

Wiener Kammerorchester, Joseph Mertin

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos

Catalogue Number: SU 4213-2
Published: 8th November 2016
Genre: Orchestral
Format: 2 CD
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Gustav Leonhardt, Eduard Melkus, Wiener Kammerorchester, conductor Josef Mertin. Recorded in Vienna 1950

Within a short time, early music enthusiasts had to say their farewells to two personalities who, for half a century, influenced the development of what we call the authentic interpretation of early music: Gustav Leonhardt and Nicolaus Harnoncourt. In 1950 Supraphon made a complete recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos performed by a chamber ensemble led by a musician of Czech origin, Josef Mertin (1904-1998). A scholar and organ builder as well, he relentlessly "dusted" the works of composers from the previous centuries (including Guillaume de Machaut), stubbornly seeking the way to give their music its authentic sound. The names of his pupils who took up his legacy make an impressive list that includes Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons and Zubin Mehta. Mertin has managed to win a number of students for the interpretation of early music on period instruments, among them musicians without whom we can hardly imagine the field nowadays. The Brandenburg Concertos were performed by an ensemble whose members were the 22-year-old cembalist Gustav Leonhardt (playing the solo in Concerto No. 5), a rising violin star Eduard Melkus and a year younger violoncellist Nicolaus Harnoncourt. It was the first time that a chamber size of the ensemble and period instruments were used. Hopefully, listening to the recording will convince you that it is more than just a historical document. As far as Mertin and Harnoncourt are concerned, this unique recording is also a proud reminder of their Czech roots.

Brandenburg Concertos, Vienna 1950: Something Important is Happening Here

Reviews

“Using minimal vibrato, full tone and long bows, they contribute to a warmly responsive string body that makes the Third and Sixth concertos especially satisfying… The set is essential listening for Bach recording historians.”
Gramophone, March 2017

CD 1

Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto for 2 French Horns, Bassoon, Violin, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046
1. without tempo indication 04:32
2. Adagio 03:48
3. Allegro 05:13
4. Menuetto -Trio I- Polacca - Trio II 10:05
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto for Trumpet, Flute, Oboe, Violin, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047
5. without tempo indication 05:19
6. Andante 03:44
7. Allegro assai 03:11
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto for 3 Violins, 3 Violas, Double Bass and Harpsichord Continuo No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048
8. without tempo indication 06:39
9. Allegro 06:06

CD 2

Johann Sebastian Bach
Branndenburg Concerto for Violin, 2 Flutes, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049
1. Allegro 08:09
2. Andante 04:44
3. Presto 06:19
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto for Harpsichord, Flauto traverso, Violin and String Orchestra No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050
4. Allegro 11:14
5. Affettuoso 05:26
6. Allegro 06:13
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto for 4 Violas, Cello, Violone and Harpsichord Continuo No. 6 in B flat major, BWV 1051
7. without tempo indication 06:40
8. Adagio ma non tanto 04:36
9. Allegro 06:02