Accompanied by the Orchestre de Chambre de la RTF, American-born violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin and renowned Soviet classical violinist David Oistrakh play Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, Strings and Continuo in D Minor, BWV 1043, also known as the Double Violin Concerto or “Bach Double”. Conductor: Pierre Capdevielle. Recorded at the Salle Pleyel in Paris in 1958.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, the “Bach Double”
“Double Violin Concerto” is perhaps one of the most famous works by Bach and is considered among the best examples of the work of the late Baroque period. Bach wrote it between 1717 and 1723 when he was the Kapellmeister at the court of Anhalt-Köthen, Germany. Later in 1739, in Leipzig, he created an arrangement for two harpsichords, transposed into C minor, BWV 1062. In addition to the two soloists, the concerto is scored for strings and basso continuo.
The concerto is characterized by the subtle yet expressive relationship between the violins throughout the work. The musical structure of this piece uses fugal imitation and much counterpoint.
The Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043, is one of the most famous and beloved works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It was composed in the early 18th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque music.
The concerto is written for two solo violins and an orchestra and is in three movements. The first movement is a lively and dramatic allegro, the second movement is a slow and expressive largo, and the third movement is a fast and joyful allegro.
One of the most remarkable features of this concerto is the interplay between the two solo violins, which are often in dialogue with each other or playing in harmony. Bach creates a rich and complex texture with the interweaving of the two solo instruments, which is characteristic of his style.
The concerto also displays Bach’s mastery of counterpoint, with intricate and interlocking melodies that showcase the composer’s skill in creating complex and beautiful harmonies. The third movement features a lively and energetic dance-like rhythm that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion.
The Bach Concerto for Two Violins has remained popular and widely performed since its composition and has been featured in numerous recordings and performances by some of the world’s greatest violinists. It is considered a masterpiece of the Baroque era and a testament to Bach’s genius as a composer.
The concerto comprises three movements:
- Vivace
- Largo ma non tanto
- Allegro
David Oistrakh
David Oistrakh was a legendary violinist of the 20th century who was born in Odesa, Ukraine, in 1908 and died in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1974. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time and was renowned for his beautiful tone, impeccable technique, and profound musical interpretations.
Oistrakh began playing the violin at a young age and quickly showed remarkable talent. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory with some of the greatest violin teachers of the time, including Pyotr Stolyarsky and Boris Kuznetsov. He later went on to become a professor of violin at the same institution.
Oistrakh’s career took off in the 1930s when he began to perform as a soloist with major orchestras throughout the Soviet Union and Europe. He was widely admired for his performances of the great violin concertos of the classical and romantic eras, as well as for his interpretations of contemporary music.
Oistrakh was also a prolific recording artist, and his discography includes some of the most iconic violin recordings of the 20th century. He recorded extensively for Deutsche Grammophon, EMI, and other major labels, and his recordings of the violin concertos of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Beethoven, and Shostakovich are considered definitive.
In addition to his solo career, Oistrakh was also an accomplished chamber musician and frequently performed with his son Igor Oistrakh, who was also a renowned violinist. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to many young musicians, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of violinists today.
Oistrakh collaborated with major orchestras and musicians from many parts of the world, including the Soviet Union, Europe, and the United States, and was the dedicatee of numerous violin works, including both Dmitri Shostakovich’s violin concerti, and the violin concerto by Aram Khachaturian. He is considered one of the preeminent violinists of the 20th century.
Yehudi Menuhin
Yehudi Menuhin, Baron Menuhin, OM, KBE (22 April 1916 – 12 March 1999) was an American-born violinist and conductor who spent most of his performing career in the United Kingdom. He became a citizen of Switzerland in 1970, and a British citizen in 1985. He is widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.
Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999) was a world-renowned violinist and conductor. He was born in New York City to Jewish parents who were originally from Russia and immigrated to the United States. He showed exceptional musical talent from a young age and began studying the violin at the age of four.
Menuhin made his debut as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony at the age of seven, and he quickly became known for his prodigious talent and musical sensitivity. He performed extensively throughout his life, collaborating with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors.
In addition to his performing career, Menuhin was also an important figure in the world of music education. He founded the Menuhin School in England, which provides musical education to gifted young musicians from around the world. He was also involved in various humanitarian causes, including promoting world peace and advocating for the rights of refugees.
Menuhin received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Jimmy Carter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century and his recordings continue to be admired by music lovers around the world.
Sources
- Concerto for Two Violins (Bach) on Wikipedia
- Yehudi Menuhin on Wikipedia
- David Oistrakh on Wikipedia