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Re: Bach 2nd brandenburg concerto - wrong note?

I transcribed the first movement into Finale a couple years ago
thinking I'd try the transcription but I'm still on hold for 2 reasons.
(Andy might assume the first reason was just plain good sense!  :-)


First reason had to do with what you're pondering. Clashes between
disparate timbres are perceived quite differently by the ear than are
clashes of similar colors.


Second headache for me is the fact that the character of these pieces
(and MUCH  of the Baroque) is predicated on a machine like motion of
semiquavers or as in this movement the "skip"  or "catch breath"
variation with an occasional quaver on the beat. This background of
incessant movement is essential to the Brandenburgs and when you try to
apply that to the size and homogeneity of the brass band it can get
VERY oppressive.


The particular clash noted by Nigel works because it involves the root
and 7th tone of the sub mediant in the home key (VI scale step) but
further I think Bach used it here because he is moving AWAY from that
Eb he was playing with back to the central key and is using the D minor
seven chord as the submediant (ii chord) to what what is the dominant
OF the dominate (G chord on the last half of beat 2) moving to the C
chord on the next downbeat and then the Master is firmly back in his
root key. So to my eyes there's nothing here that's not part of
fundemental 4 part harmony theory.

Probably much more than anyone wanted to know but since I haven't poked
around Bach's harmonies looking for reasons in more years than I want
to count it was kind of theraputic to find out I still could.


BTW, Nigel. You're welcome to the Finale file for the first movement if
it will do you any good. EM me off list. I'll even export it as midi if
needed.


Ed Carroll

Solo Tenor

Las Vegas Brass Band

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