Product Description
Bach's Organ Concerto in C major, BWV 594, is a transcription of Antonio Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in D major, RV 208, known as "Il grosso Mogul". Composed around 1713-1714 during Bach's time in Weimar, this piece is part of a group of five organ concerto transcriptions (BWV 592-596) based on works by Vivaldi and Prince Johann Ernst of Saxe-Weimar.
The concerto consists of three movements:
[Allegro] (no tempo indication)
Recitativo adagio
Allegro
Bach made surprisingly few changes to Vivaldi's original composition, creating an interesting paradox. While the organ's multiple keyboards and pedals can simulate an entire orchestra, the piece often features long passages where the organ imitates a single, energetic solo violin.
Structure and Performance
The concerto showcases Bach's skill in adapting Vivaldi's string writing for the organ:
In the first movement, Bach redistributes the original string parts between the hands and uses a second manual for responding duets.
The second movement, marked as "Recitativo adagio," differs from Vivaldi's original "Adagio e spiccato" marking.
The final movement maintains Vivaldi's lively character while adapting it to the organ's capabilities.
Historical Context
This transcription played a significant role in Bach's development as a composer, introducing him to the Italian concerto style. The work's exotic epithet, "Il grosso Mogul," may refer to the Mughal Empire in India, the Great Mughal himself, or a legendary large diamond supposedly owned by the Mughal.
Legacy
Bach's organ transcriptions, including BWV 594, were crucial in the 20th-century revival of interest in Vivaldi's music. Their publication in the 1850s and 1890s brought renewed attention to Vivaldi's original compositions.
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