J S Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No.5 - Allegro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtIJvA2f1U
Georg Philipp Telemann was the most prolific compose ever, with more than 3,000 compositions for every conceivable combination of musicians, and in the process becoming one of the creators and foremost exponents of an amalgam of German, French, Italian and Polish styles. Half the pieces have been lost, and most have not been performed since the 18th century. He was highly regarded in his day, but is now considered a lesser composer than Bach or Handel. In 1737, he travelled to Paris and was impressed by Rameau's opera Castor et Pollux. He subsequently composed the 6 Paris Quartets for flute, violin, viola da gamba or cello, and basso continuo in the French style the following year.
Paris Quartet sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtTu-1d31ls
Concerto for Recorders, Violins, and Oboes - sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOPYv2rjVIo
Another contemporary of Bach was Sylvius Leopold Weiss, one of the most important and most prolific composers of lute music in history with over 850 compositions, and one of the best-known and most technically accomplished lutenists of his day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySX-hAX8p2g
The composer Johann Pachelbel is mostly known for just one piece, his Canon for 3 violins and basso continuo, although it has more recently been arranged for other combinations of instruments. From the 1970s onward, elements of the piece, especially its chord progression, have been used in a variety of pop songs, and since the 1980s, it has also been used frequently in weddings and funeral ceremonies in the Western world. The 8 note bass line is repeated throughout the piece - times. In his day, Pachelbel was renowned for his organ and other keyboard music.
Original version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvNQLJ1_HQ0 4 cellos at a wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV5_xj_yuhs 4 rubber chickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOfSVULtsU Marimba and percussion ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiwYkwOeFFI For those interested in attempting Historically Informed Performance (HIP) on Modern Instruments: Strings Always light up-bows using mostly use the middle of the bow, and vary the articulation - but less legato. Hold the stick a couple of inches closer to the tip. Physically breath between phrases. Stop using vibrato. Sitting to play is ok, but you may like to experiment with standing - in which case relax your knees and be willing move as you play. When you watch period instrument performance you will see that hardly any players are not moving. The use of a baroque bow on a modern instrument is very helpful. Woodwind Phrase by taking more breaths. Less legato, and no vibrato. Light up beats. Balance your sound with the strings. If standing, flex your knees and be prepared to move. Keyboard Do not use the sustaining pedal. You are not playing a solo, you are part of the continuo section accompanying the upper instruments. The bass notes are the most important, and you can experiment with the treble parts if you are so inclined. Spread/arpeggiate chords at major cadences always staring with the lowest note. Watch the leader of the ensemble, probably the first violinist, especially at the start and finish of a piece. Play lightly so no to overpower the other instruments. If you have access to a good electronic keyboard experiment with sounds named pipe/church organ, harpsichord etc. Brass + Percussion Typically brass and percussion is only used in orchestral music in the baroque period, although it is fun to have a drum and/or a tambourine in music for dances. HIP If you are interested in playing in a baroque style this is you homework - watch these videos - Norwegian Chamber Orchestra playing historically informed Handel and Bach on modern instruments - they move as they play, both sitting and standing! Handel - Concert Grosso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ySSxN5Dzy4 Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No.3:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgn-n9Nmg24 More Bach with flute solo, and harpsichord solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPbZfMx9KJA Let me know if you have HIP questions.
Next Week -
18thc. Music in England - 1