Palace Music. Bach Without Borders: Transforming Sound
Festival Tallinn feat. Reval
Presented in collaboration with the Early Music Studio Cantores Vagantes and the Festival Tallinn feat. Reval, this concert features baroque ensemble arrangements of Johann Sebastian Bach’s celebrated harpsichord works, alongside his sonata for harpsichord and viola da gamba.
Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
1. Concerto in the Italian Style BWV 971 (Transcription for traverso, violin, viola and basso continuo)
(Allegro). Andante. Presto
2. Capriccio in B-flat major,”On the Departure of his Most Beloved Brother” BWV 992 ((Transcription for traverso, violin, viola and harpsichord)
Arioso: Adagio. Ist eine Schmeichelung der Freunde, um denselben von seiner Reise abzuhalten.
(Andante). Ist eine Vorstellung unterschiedlicher Casuum, die ihm in der Fremde könnten vorfallen.
Adagiosissimo: Ist ein allgemeines Lamento der Freunde.
(Andante con moto) Allhier kommen die Freunde (weil sie doch sehen, daß es anders nicht sein kann) und nehmen Abschied.
Aria di Postiglione: Allegro poco.
Fuga all’ imitazione di Posta [della cornetta di postiglione].
3. Sonata BWV 1028 (Transcription for violoncello da spalla, violin and basso continuo)
Adagio.Allegro.Andante. Allegro
4. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords in C major BWV 1064 (Transcription for harpsichord, traverso, violin, viola and basso continuo)
Allegro. Adagio. Allegro
What inspired the ensemble Novaya Gollandiya to arrange these particular pieces? The unique, intimate sound of the harpsichord is often reminiscent of a black-and-white film. The ensemble’s musicians sought to bring color to this canvas—introducing new nuances, expressiveness, and a greater variety of timbres to the music.
The Italian Concerto (1735) was composed for solo harpsichord, specifically designed for a double-manual instrument. While it belongs to a collection originally intended for instruction and practice, it also masterfully synthesizes Bach’s extensive engagement with the harpsichord concerto genre and his deep immersion in the Italian concerto tradition. The work’s brilliant, contrasting movements and bright, joyful character never fail to delight audiences. The ensemble arrangement highlights the richness and vibrant colors of the composition even more vividly.
The Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother (1704) was likewise originally scored for solo harpsichord. This exceptionally unique, programmatic work is infused with great humor and based on a true historical event: the farewell send-off of Bach’s brother before he entered military service in the Swedish army. Admonitions, sorrow, the horn-calls of the departing post-chaise, and a fugue mirroring the rolling wheels of the receding carriage—Bach has masterfully and evocatively brought all these scenes to life, making them instantly recognizable.
The Sonata in D major for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord (1717–1723) is rarely heard on concert stages, yet stands as one of the most beautiful gems of Bach’s chamber music repertoire. Luminous and lively, transparent yet deep as a river, this music irresistibly draws the listener into its current.
It is believed that the Concerto for Three Harpsichords and Strings, BWV 1064 (ca. 1735–1745) is an arrangement of a now-lost concerto originally written for three violins. The ensemble arrangement performed at this concert is based on a modern reconstruction of that presumed original work. The hallmark of this piece is a continuous musical dialogue and a sense of playful competition among all ensemble members, rather than just the three main soloists. Virtuosic passages, rapid musical interplay, and the seamless weaving together of the brilliant Italian concerto style and German polyphony make this one of Bach’s most magnificent masterpieces.
Festival Tallinn feat. Reval official website: https://tallinnfeatreval.eu/
Palace Music (Lossimuusika) is a series of Sunday concerts dedicated to presenting premier classical music in the Baroque Main Hall of Kadriorg Palace—a venue renowned for its unique acoustics.
Kadriorg Palace is one of the most beautiful and celebrated historic concert halls in Estonia. Over the past decades, its main hall has offered unforgettable musical experiences to both the residents of Tallinn and its numerous visitors. The tradition of music-making here runs deep, dating back to the 18th century when live performance was an integral part of daily court life. The palace has hosted Estonia’s most brilliant performers alongside internationally acclaimed soloists and ensembles.
Artistic Director of the Palace Music concert series: Aare Tammesalu
Organisers: Loovüksus MTÜ in collaboration with the Art Museum of Estonia
Supported by: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Public Broadcasting, Tallinn Culture & Sports Department, UNESCO City of Music Tallinn, Kultuurikõla, Pointprint
With special thanks to: Visit Estonia, Visit Tallinn, Õhtuleht
