Bach – Italian Concerto Bwv 971 Urtext Softcover Book (Piano)

The Italian Concerto was published in 1735 and it clearly shows how Bach had assimilated the Italian influence and converted it into his own inimitable style. A reviewer, Johann Adolf Scheibe, wrote of it: ‘Pre-eminent among works known through published prints is a Clavier Concerto by the famous Bach. Who is not to admit that this Concerto is to be regarded as a perfect model of a well designed Solo Concerto?’ This reviewer had previously written of Bach: ‘He would be the object of admiration if he possessed more pleasantness and made his compositions less turgid and sophisticated’. The Italian Concerto was written for a two manual harpsichord and this enabled Bach to build in a large dynamic range. It is notable for its melodic line, rhythmic verve, dynamic subtlety and sublime slow movement – a virtuoso work of excitement and originality which both challenges and inspires.