Lesson 80: Advanced Ensemble, Part 2 — Bach’s Fourth Brandenburg

• Follow Recorder I while listening to the other parts.
• Keep the beat when the group changes from small to full.

Two recorders and a violin form the solo group, with strings and bass accompaniment (continuo). Listen for who joins and who rests, while keeping your own beat.

This D-major reading needs accompaniment down a perfect fourth from the original G major.

Your G-major reading matches the original pitch; use an original-key ensemble recording.

Hear the texture change

In bars 4–6, both recorders continue with continuo while the solo violin and orchestral strings rest. Let your line speak clearly without rushing.

The orchestral strings return in bar 7. Listen to their short attacks while keeping your quicker notes even.

Play: Bach, BWV 1049 — Allegro opening

Published: Michel Rondeau (2007), CC BY-SA 4.0. Recorder I only, uniformly down a fourth; other voices, slurs and dynamics omitted.

Practice plan

Repeat each short drill, then join all nine bars; count every tie and rest. In the complete score, mark later changes of players.

Now play these

Bach: Brandenburg 4 — complete Recorder I

Three complete movements.

Telemann: Four Dances from TWV55:a2

Count each silent section and return.

Sammartini: Siciliano (complete)

Keep the orchestral rests.

When the pulse stays steady across both textures, continue to Lesson 81.