Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and Paul Simon’s “American Tune”: Christina Courtin and The Knights
In the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, scored for three violins, three violas, and three cellos with continuo, Bach pushes a form, developed by Vivaldi, to magical new heights. The first and third movements are filled with conversing instrumental voices, sparkling virtuosity, and daring harmonic surprises. For the second movement, Bach provided a single measure with only two cadential chords. Here, musicians are free to improvise or substitute another slow …