Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047

Question 1

Brandenburg Concerto specifications

Answer 1

• No. 2
• in F Major
• BWV 1047

Question 2

Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 background information

Answer 2

• concerto grosso
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• composition date: 1721
• one if a set of 6 concertos (1st concerto has 4 mvts, rest have 3)
• string orchestra and continuo (ripieno); violin, oboe, recorder, and trumpet (concertino)

Question 3

Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 essay sections

Answer 3

• (First Movement:) Ritornello Theme

- Concertino Theme

Question 4

Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 Ritornello Theme

Answer 4

-played tutti (orchestra and soloists)

• 4 motives:
• 1 and 3 built around outline of tonic triad
• 2 and 4 are characterized largely by scale-type movement
• bright, cheerful mood
• opening ritornello dominates entire work: unifying element

Question 5

Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 Concertino Theme

Answer 5

• soloists take turn present concertino theme, alternating w/ ritornello theme
• sequential imitation used throughout
• modulations to closely related keys: including C major, D minor, G minor Bb major, A minor (2 to 6)