J.S. Bach: Background of Piano Concerto No. 1
In a previous article, I summarized the origins of Bach's piano (harpsichord) concertos. This time, I have picked out my favorite, No. 1, and researched the background of the work.
Concerto per il Cembalo Concertato
Piano (Harpsichord) Concerto No. 1 in D minor
Year of composition: c. 1738 (transmitted in a collection of autograph scores)
Work number: BWV 1052
This work is the best known of Bach's harpsichord concertos and is presumed to have been arranged from a lost violin concerto. The oldest surviving form is found in a cantata from the late 1720s, with the first and second movements adapted into
Cantata No. 146 and the third movement adapted into Cantata No. 188.
Correspondence with Cantatas
1st movement - Cantata No. 146 (Sinfonia)
2nd movement - Cantata No. 146 (2nd movement chorus)
3rd movement - Cantata No. 188 (Sinfonia)
To summarize the flow...
It is presumed that the original was a violin concerto (a work that no longer exists).
→ During the Leipzig period, it was adapted as part of cantatas (BWV 146, 188) for church liturgy.
→ Later, it was rearranged into the harpsichord concerto version (BWV 1052), mainly for Collegium Musicum concerts.
Cantata BWV 146 "Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal in das Reich Gottes eingehen" (We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God)
Sinfonia
Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal (Chorus)
Ich will nach dem Himmel zu (Aria)
Ach! wer doch schon (Recitative)
Ich säe meine Zähren (Aria)
Ich bin bereit (Recitative)
Wie will ich mich freuen (Aria)
Freu dich sehr (Chorale)
Cantata No. 146 is summarized in another article. I also touch upon the violin concerto presumed to be the original work and its reconstructed version.
Performance video:
Netherlands Bach Society
Just imagining that this Sinfonia, which became the basis for the first movement of Harpsichord Concerto No. 1, was played on the organ in church services at the time gives me goosebumps. Even within the atmosphere of D minor, which symbolizes hardship and burdens, one can feel something like a powerful 'light of hope'.
Cantata BWV 188 "Ich habe meine Zuversicht" (I have my confidence)
Sinfonia
Ich habe meine Zuversicht (Aria: tenor)
Gott meint es gut mit jedermann (Recitative: bass)
Unerforschlich ist die Weise (Aria: alto)
Die Macht der Welt verlieret sich (Recitative: soprano)
Auf meinen lieben Gott (Chorale)
Work number: BWV 188
Year: c. 1728 (Leipzig)
Genre: Cantata
Liturgical day: 21st Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXI)
→ Corresponds to the 21st Sunday after Trinity Sunday (a holiday that comes after Pentecost).
→ The liturgical scripture passage is, for example, the Gospel of John 4:47–54, 'Healing of the nobleman's son'.
Instrumentation (various theories exist)
Soloists: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
Chorus: SATB
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Oboe d'amore, Strings (Violin I/II, Viola, Basso continuo), Organ solo
Since the autograph score only remains in fragments, parts such as the opening sinfonia have been supplemented by later generations.
With the theme of "human weakness and trust in God," it depicts faith amidst suffering.
Performance videos and recordings:
J.S. Bach-Stiftung, St. Gallen )
Ton Koopman • Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Bach Collegium Japan recordings are also among my favorites.
I think these cantatas will especially resonate with those who like Piano Concerto No. 1. I am starting to like the cantata versions even more.
Knowing the connections to other works in this way makes the joy of listening increase many times over, doesn't it?
[Reference]
All of Bach – Top
Bachipedia – Top
Bach Digital – Top
Boston Baroque – Official Website