Instruments

Concertino: natural trumpet in F, recorder, oboe, violi

Ripieno: two violins, viola, violone, cello and harpsichord (as basso continuo)

Movements

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro assai

By the end of the 1700s it was not longer acceptable or common to change instruments from what the composers indicated, but in the time of Bach that was not true. The composers themselves changed the instruments that were used according to what were available or convenient. So keep that in mind while listening.

Robert Haydon Clark, Consort Of London, featuring horn:

I have not yet been able to find a good bio for Clark, but I’ve liked a few things from this group, and supposedly this is from 1990. The Consort of London supposedly was successful in the last 60s and early 70s, so obviously I’m missing info. What is fascinating to me about this is that instead of F trumpet, they are using horn. It’s different, and I like it, but there are not enough people commenting to get a feel about who else likes this. Note that F is F, so there is no claim of this being a “period performance”. For me this is different, and very pleasant to listen to.

Conductor: Claudio Abbado Orchestra Mozart Giuliano Carmignola:

Sato | Netherlands Bach Society

I can’t say enough great things about this group. They have redefined period instruments for me. I always preferred modern instruments in the past, but this group has changed that. They are simply spectacular.

Maurice André, 3rd movement, live:

This is a modern trumpet, in F, and this man was as good as anyone I’ve ever heard on this instrument, but it has valves and so is easier to play, and there is a modern flute instead of the older instrument. Remember, there is no right and wrong here, so no one agrees what is best for this music. But I put this here for people to see a closeup of the F trumpet with valves.

Maurice André, complete

This from all the way back in 1966. This time there is nothing to see, and you can hear some clicks on the record. Just remember that no one on natural horn can ever sound this polished because valves just make it easier – easier being a relative term, since this amazing trumpet player was magnificent.

Popular 298 years!!!

The Brandenburg Concertos are considered some of the best nusic ever written. They remain popular to this very day. In fact, there are so many excellent recordings that I had trouble picking just a few out of all the amazing choices. So please feel free to explore on your own. You may end up with a favorite different from mine.