Brandenburg Concerto No.4 BWV 1049 - Recorder Parts (simplified)
- Master Bach's contrapuntal writing
- Develop ensemble awareness
- Execute virtuosic Bach passages
- Perfect Baroque peak style
About This Piece
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Difficulty: Late Intermediate
Notes Used: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G (high), A (high), B (high), C (high), D (high)
Key: G Major
Movements: I. Allegro - II. Andante - III. Presto
Movement I - Allegro (Simplified)
Bach's brilliant virtuosic writing for recorder (simplified for late intermediate).
Second recorder part in dialogue with first.
Movement II - Andante (Simplified)
Bach's expressive slow movement with simpler texture.
Movement III - Presto (Simplified)
Bach's fugal finale with contrapuntal entries (simplified).
Performance Practice Notes
- Bach style: Clear articulation; bring out contrapuntal lines
- Ensemble: These parts must coordinate with violin and continuo
- Tempo: Allegro = ♩ = 120, Andante = ♩ = 70, Presto = ♩ = 140
- Virtuosity: Simplified but still demands excellent technique
Historical Context
Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major, BWV 1049, is one of the most significant works in the recorder repertoire. Written in 1721 for the Margrave of Brandenburg, this concerto features two recorders (flauti d'echo) as solo instruments alongside solo violin. Bach's writing for recorder is virtuosic and contrapuntally sophisticated, representing the peak of Baroque concerto writing. The work demonstrates Bach's mastery of concerto form, contrapuntal technique, and understanding of instrumental color. While the full version is extremely challenging, these simplified excerpts introduce late intermediate players to Bach's magnificent writing for recorder, preparing them for eventual mastery of the complete work.
Performance Goal: Demonstrate Bach's contrapuntal clarity and virtuosic technique. Even in simplified form, these excerpts demand excellent technical facility and musical understanding. This represents the pinnacle of Baroque recorder writing - study of Bach is essential for any serious recorder player.
Practice Strategy
- Practice very slowly at first to ensure accurate notes and rhythms
- Use metronome practice, gradually increasing tempo
- Listen to recordings of the complete Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
- Study the score to understand how recorder parts fit with violin and continuo
- Practice with a partner if possible (two recorder parts)
- Focus on clear articulation and evenness in rapid passages
- Build up to the full version gradually over time