I find nothing more beautiful than the sound of a violin being played. I cannot explain as to why in just a matter of a few simple words. Music affects us all in a different manner, and there is just something about a violin that touches my soul in a way that no other musical instrument can. And one piece of work that touches my soul in a very profound manner is Bach’s Double Violin Concerto (also known as Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043).
Johann Sebastian Bach is probably the most well known composer of the Baroque period of classical music (1600 – 1750). The Baroque era of music incorporates self-expression and a structure that is unburdened. The Baroque era expanded the multiplicity of instrumental execution. And, in my opinion, no one did it better that Bach. It was, after all, in his blood. Bach was born into a family of musicians. His uncle was Johann Christoph Bach (a famous German musician), and many other family members were also musicians.
The Double Violin Concerto is probably one of Bach’s more famous pieces and was written between 1717 and 1723. It was during this time that he was hired by Prince Leopold of Cothen to act as his director of music. These years were important because most of his work were secular, because the Prince did not allow elaborate music in his worship. It is also during this time period that Johann’s wife passed away suddenly. In 1721, he remarried.
Double Violin begins Vivace (or fast and lively). The middle of the work is Largo (slow), and it ends Allegro (fast). If you have not already listened to this work of art, I beg you to do so. You can find it at www.classicalconnect.com. I think that any lover of classical music will find it as beautiful as I do.
Each time that I listen to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, I have to close my eyes. I don’t know why. It is almost almost a natural reaction to do so. And while my eyes are closed during the first part of this concerto, I can actually see the two violinists and their thrilling relationship to the sounds of one another. This first part excites my heart and makes me smile for no reason but the sound of beauty. Part two of the concerto is slower and ever so serene. The calming effect warms my entire body. The final movement of the concerto picks up in tempo and again, brings fire and passion to my soul.
Once the music stops, I am filled with an overall calmness and peace. A serenity created by one of the greatest composers of all time.