Composed between 1708 and 1721 at Köthen, Bach’s ‘Six Concertos for Several Instruments’ where written as a job application to work for Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg.
They demonstrate handling of instruments, of styles, fugal form, whilst being based on the popular Italian concerto grosso style.
The Fifth Concerto is scored for flute, violin and harpsichord soloists, and the ripieno has just one violin part, rather than two.
The first movement is notable for the extraordinarily long harpsichord solo – embellished from an earlier version (which started from the fast scales), followed by a perfunctory ending from the ripieno. There’s a playful exchange between flute and violin.
The second movement is a trio sonata in disguise, and the third movement – well, ask any Edexcel GCSE Music student and they’ll tell you…!
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