Album: Brandenburgische Konzerte 1-2-6

Introduction
"Brandenburgische Konzerte 1-2-6" is a 1971 album including three of Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, performed by the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and conducted by one of the best British conductors, Sir Neville Marriner. The concertos included in this album are the very first, second, and 6th, which display Bach's innovative mastery and varied instrumentation. This album highlights the musical expertise of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, in addition to the careful and meaningful conducting design of Sir Neville Marriner.

The Brandenburg Concertos
Bach's set of six Brandenburg Concertos, composed between 1711 and 1715, form a foundation of Baroque music and showcases Bach's ingenious technique and musical mastery. Originally provided as a gift to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, the concertos demonstrate the variety of Bach's compositional techniques and included numerous instruments in non-traditional ways. The selection of Concertos 1, 2, and 6 in this album highlights the significant stylistic variety among the six works.

Concerto No. 1 in F Major, BWV 1046
The first concerto in the album is understood for its sophisticated instrumentation, consisting of 2 horns, 3 oboes, bassoon, violin piccolo, strings, and continuo. This elaborate orchestration and scoring lead to a rich, celebratory noise, in which each instrumental group shines while blending harmoniously with others. The concerto includes 4 movements: Allegro, Adagio, Allegro, and a last Menuetto trio.

In this recording, Marriner and the Academy provide an exhilarating and crisp efficiency, marked by clear articulation and healthy dynamics, allowing Bach's evolving textures and counterpoint to shine through. The ensemble has fun with precision yet keeps a sense of spontaneity, making it an interesting listening experience.

Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047
The second concerto features an unique combination of solo instruments-- trumpet, recorder, oboe, and violin-- accompanied by strings and continuo. The concerto is characterized by its virtuosity, especially in the trumpet part. The three-movement structure (Allegro, Andante, Allegro assai) showcases the interplay in between the musicians and the ensemble, with spectacular screens of virtuosity and intricate contrapuntal textures.

Marriner's analysis highlights the light, energetic nature of this music, stressing crisp articulation, dynamic tempos, and well-shaped phrasing. The soloists of the Academy impress with their technical prowess and seamless combination of their individual lines into the overall musical texture.

Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major, BWV 1051
The sixth concerto, scored for two violas, two viola da gambas, cello, strings, and continuo, features a privileging of the lower string register. With its three-movement (Allegro, Adagio, Allegro) structure, this concerto checks out abundant sonorities and meaningful melodic lines, setting it apart from the other Brandenburg Concertos.

Under Marriner's guidance, the Academy provides an emotionally resonant and warmly phrased performance, with emphasis on the distinctive string timbres. The players achieve a balance of technical accuracy and elegant expressiveness that captures the essence of Bach's composition.

Conclusion
"Brandenburgische Konzerte 1-2-6" showcases the radiance of both Bach's compositions and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields under Sir Neville Marriner. This album serves as a testimony to Marriner's extensive understanding of Baroque music and the Academy's extraordinary musicianship. Extremely advised for fans of Bach's music or Baroque music in general, this album stands as a masterful interpretation of 3 of Bach's precious Brandenburg Concertos.