Because of the influence on Bach from composers such as Corelli who helped cement the concerto grosso, it is evident in Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos that characteristic elements are stylistic of both composers. Some of these things that can be found in both Bach’s and Corelli’s compositions included: the cycle of 5ths chord progression, the resemblance between Bach’s concertino passages and Corelli’s trio sonatas, use of imitation and the strong sense of tonality through the use of sequences. However, The Brandenburg Concertos include many unique elements by Bach that separated his works from other composers such as Corelli and Handel and in a way separating himself from the restraints of Baroque style. Brandenburg No. 2 is more modern and sophisticated. In movement 1 Bach includes a trumpet. His addition of the trumpet contrasts to the instrumentation of concertos by other composers like Corelli who preferred strings. Bach also included six subjects, modulations in the episodes which convey the virtuosity of the concertino soloists, and the use of stretto (form of polyphony where voices overlap). In the 2nd movement he reduced the size of the orchestra by taking away the trumpet leaving three concertino instruments plus continuo. Bach’s complex construction of this movement sets him apart from other composers. There is not a set form however he utilises polyphony, imitation and call and response between instruments. The use of tierce de picardi gave a uniqueness to the 2nd
Because of the influence on Bach from composers such as Corelli who helped cement the concerto grosso, it is evident in Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos that characteristic elements are stylistic of both composers. Some of these things that can be found in both Bach’s and Corelli’s compositions included: the cycle of 5ths chord progression, the resemblance between Bach’s concertino passages and Corelli’s trio sonatas, use of imitation and the strong sense of tonality through the use of sequences. However, The Brandenburg Concertos include many unique elements by Bach that separated his works from other composers such as Corelli and Handel and in a way separating himself from the restraints of Baroque style. Brandenburg No. 2 is more modern and sophisticated. In movement 1 Bach includes a trumpet. His addition of the trumpet contrasts to the instrumentation of concertos by other composers like Corelli who preferred strings. Bach also included six subjects, modulations in the episodes which convey the virtuosity of the concertino soloists, and the use of stretto (form of polyphony where voices overlap). In the 2nd movement he reduced the size of the orchestra by taking away the trumpet leaving three concertino instruments plus continuo. Bach’s complex construction of this movement sets him apart from other composers. There is not a set form however he utilises polyphony, imitation and call and response between instruments. The use of tierce de picardi gave a uniqueness to the 2nd