Open Collections

Abstract

Bach's Concerto for Keyboard, Flute, and Violin with Orchestra in A minor, BWV 1044, is a very interesting and unprecedented case of Bach reworking pre-existing keyboard works into three concerto movements. There are several examples of Bach carrying out the reverse process with his keyboard arrangements of Vivaldi, and other composers' concertos, but the reworking of the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 894, into the outer movements of BWV 1044, and the second movement of the Organ Sonata in F major, BWV 527, into the middle movement, appears to be unique among Bach's compositional activity. This study will explore in some detail how Bach transforms these solo keyboard pieces into a three movement concerto for three concertino instruments and ripieno. As is the case with most of Bach's instrumental works, the question of where BWV 1044 fits within the chronology of Bach's works is unclear. This paper will attempt a reliable date of composition for this concerto by combining a variety of methods including source study and comparative formal analysis.