Concerto in D Minor BWV 1043 by Johann Sebastian Bach Arranged for Two Violins (or Two Mandolins) and Guitar Trio
The so-called "Double Violin Concerto" was definitely composed by J.S. Bach sometime between 1717 and 1723 when he was employed at the court of Anhalt-Cöthen. Written for two violins and string orchestra, it is a contrapuntal tour-de-force with canonic imitations abounding throughout both the orchestral parts and the intimate dialog between the two virtuosic soloists. A three-movement layout of fast-slow-fast is derived from the Italian concerti of Antonio Vivaldi whose music Bach greatly admired. This grand music represents an impressive fusion of Vivaldi's dramatic, singing style with Bach's masterful counterpoint, a true blend of Italian and German Baroque sensibilities.
This arrangement by Gregg Nestor can be successfully played with either two violinists or two mandolinists as the soloists, and the playful contrapuntal lines that entwine and support them adapted for guitar trio.
