Brandenburg 5 for flute, violin and harpsichord: practising your part with the ensemble
Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050, has three soloists: a flute, a violin and a harpsichord, with strings and continuo. It is famous for the long harpsichord solo near the end of the first movement, which Bach expanded to 65 bars in the final version. Each of the three solo parts needs the other two to make sense, and Synchestra lets you rehearse yours with both of them playing.
The three movements
- Allegro (D major): the full ensemble, with the three soloists trading figures and the harpsichord's long solo before the close.
- Affettuoso (B minor): the three soloists alone, without the strings. It is chamber music, and every line is exposed.
- Allegro (D major): a lively finale with the strings back in.
For flute players
The flute plays the solo line through all three movements. Mute the flute and play with the violin, the harpsichord and the strings. In the Affettuoso, where you are one of three voices, slow the tempo down and loop the phrases where the lines overlap until your breathing fits the music.
For violinists
Take the solo violin, or a ripieno part if you play in the ensemble. Practise against the flute and harpsichord lines so that your phrasing matches theirs. The pitch stays the same when you slow down, so your intonation work holds at any tempo.
For harpsichordists
The first-movement solo is the longest passage the harpsichord plays alone. Practise it hands separately, loop the sections that need work, and then play it into the return of the ensemble. You can tune to 415 Hz for a baroque pitch.
Questions
Which parts can I play?
The flute, the solo violin or the harpsichord, or any string and continuo part. The app plays the others.
Can I practise the harpsichord solo slowly?
Yes. Set the tempo you need for any section, and loop the passage at its own tempo.
Does the work come with the full score?
Yes. Every part and the conductor score come with the work, in one purchase.
