Baroque Delights: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 4, and 5

The Brandenburg Concertos are among the sunniest, most joyful works of Bach’s entire catalog. Bach originally presented a collection of concertos to the Margrave of Brandenburg in hopes of securing a post in his court. What the Margrave never heard (Bach didn’t land the position), we have come to embrace as absolute “must hear” music. Handel’s Water Music fared quite a bit better in its initial performance for a royal requester. On first hearing, Britain’s King George I, in 1717, was so taken with the suites that he requested several repeat performances. Jubilant and festive, the suites are among Handel’s most adored works for orchestra.

Two concert programs couple selected Brandenburg Concertos with suites from the Water Music.

Inside Music, an informative talk free to ticketholders, begins one hour prior to concerts.
Conductor/Performers

Alexander Barantschik
violin and leader

San Francisco Symphony
Program

Handel
Water Music Suite No. 2

J.S. Bach
Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 4, and 5