Description
Bach's harpsichord concertos have proven extremely popular. Several were originally written as concertos for other solo instruments, such as violin or a woodwind. However, we know nothing about any preliminary versions for the A-major Concerto, BWV 1055.
The enchantingly songlike middle movement of this concerto inevitably makes one think of the oboe d'amore. Yet there is no reason to believe the idiomatic, spirited harpsichord writing was conceived for anything but a keyboard instrument from the outset. Ultimately, this fresh and irresistible music renders such speculation irrelevant.
For this Henle Urtext edition, the editors consulted the autograph score and original orchestral parts, which likely preserve the concerto as Bach himself performed it. This provides an authentic musical text.
The piano reduction includes the solo part with carefully chosen fingerings by Michael Schneidt, as well as a practical, easily playable piano accompaniment arranged by Johannes Umbreit.
