Composer

:

Johann Gottlieb Graun

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

before 1770

Average_duration

:

22:53

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Johann Gottlieb Graun's Concerto for viola da gamba, strings & continuo in A major was composed in the mid-18th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1740 and 1750. The concerto was premiered in Berlin, where Graun was employed as a court musician. The concerto consists of three movements: Allegro, Adagio, and Allegro. The first movement is in sonata form and features a lively and energetic theme that is passed between the viola da gamba and the orchestra. The second movement is a slow and expressive Adagio that showcases the viola da gamba's ability to produce a rich and melancholic sound. The final movement is a fast and lively Allegro that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. One of the characteristics of Graun's concerto is its use of the viola da gamba as the solo instrument. The viola da gamba was a popular instrument in the Baroque era, but by the mid-18th century, it had fallen out of favor in favor of the cello. Graun's concerto is one of the few works from this period that features the viola da gamba as the solo instrument. Another characteristic of the concerto is its use of the continuo. The continuo is a group of instruments that provide harmonic support for the solo instrument and the orchestra. In Graun's concerto, the continuo consists of a harpsichord and a cello. The harpsichord provides the harmonic foundation, while the cello adds depth and richness to the sound. Overall, Johann Gottlieb Graun's Concerto for viola da gamba, strings & continuo in A major is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases the unique qualities of the viola da gamba. Its lively and energetic themes, expressive slow movements, and thrilling finale make it a favorite among Baroque music enthusiasts.

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