Concerto in G minor for keyboard and string orchestra, BWV 1056 (J.S. Bach)

Having performed Bach’s Concerto in f minor (BWV 1056) several times during my career, I decided that it was time to solve some of the textural problems that continue to haunt this deservedly popular masterpiece.

The foundation of this new edition is the c.1738 hand-written copy by Johann Nicolaus Forkel, set in the key of g minor for the outer movements and B flat for the central Adagio.

The familiar key of f minor in all subsequent editions often presents intonation problems for string players, as well as awkward fingering and hand positions for the soloist; such problems are not apparent in Bach’s other keyboard concertos.

However, as no copy is extant in Bach’s own hand, we must rely on Forkel and subsequent publications for signs of textural enlightenment.

Close comparison of three of the most accessible editions has still exposed un-solved issues, so my fifth point of reference has been Bach’s own setting for oboe and strings for the Sinfonia (Adagio) of his Cantata No. 156.

ISMN: M-801301-24-6