Bach Double Violin Concerto in D minor BWV 1043

Bach Concerto for two violins is influenced by the trio sonata form as by the concerto form. The trio sonata is a piece written for two solo melodic instruments (usually two violins) and a basso continuo(typically a cello and a harpsichord). This piece presents the characteristic of that form: the contrast between the orchestra and the two solo voices.

The balance that Bach achieved between the two soloist is superb. The two violins never overshadow each other, is like it was only one solo instrument.

You can download the three movements of the concerto for free. They aren't recordings of real performances but are better that any MIDI you'll find on the Internet. Click here to know more about these files.

The first movement presents a strange optimism in a minor key. As with his solo violin concertos, this opening movement is a fast piece that wakes you up with determination and maintains your attention for its tunefulness.

Download 1. Vivace

The second movement has an incomparable tenderness, the two solo voices seem to embrace each other in joy. I think this is one of Bach's finest works. Apart from the great feat of having two solo voices interacting in such a perfect manner, it is one of the most beautiful tunes I've heard. They say the most difficult for a composer is to make a good and long adagio (that is a slow piece). Well, this is "Largo ma non tanto", even slower that an adagio, and it catches your attention and doesn't lose it in its typically six minutes of duration.

Download 2. Largo ma non tanto

The last movement has a triumphant feeling in it. The two violins interacting, even competing fiercely, but always complementing each other in great harmony.

Download 3. Allegro

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Bach Violin Concertos by Yehudi Menuhin and George Enescu

Links

• Jascha Heifetz and Eric Friedman: Heifetz plays the second movement of the Double violin Concerto with Eric Friedman, who undoubtedly was amongst his favourite students.
  
  
• Yehudi Menuhin & David Oistrakh: Very expressive version by the two masters.
  
  
• Very good recording by Takako Nishizaki: with Alexander Jablokov, recommended.

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