Johann Sebastian Bach:

Original Percussion Arrangements of Concertos

These two Concertos are quite different from each other and the Brandenburg Concertos. For the Double Violin Concerto we have used two different Steel Drum synthesizer combinations to distinguish the two voices and the Marimba takes on the Orchestral part which T Walter has transcribed for Piano. This is made possible by the use of two ''slow' lush synth's to complement the Steel Drums and the Marimba taking over in the legato passages.The Double Violin Concerto has been recorded as a single file rather than 3 separate movements.

The Flute concerto is a more straight forward arrangement with the Steel Drums taking the Flute part supported by a slow synth, the Marimba taking the main orchestral parts while another slow synth fills in for the Cello and the Log Marimba makes its first appearance as Basso Continuo.

Brandenburg Concerto Arrangements:

These Concertos were composed in 1721 for the Magrave of Brandenburg by way of a job application - it is not clear that they were performed until after the Magrave's death when the manuscripts were found by a pupil of Bach who appreciated their true value. They represent different interpretations of the orchestral or 'grosso' approach to the concerto form rather than the solo/orchestra and they have responded well to a simplified percussion interpretation involving Steel Drums, Marimba and Vibraphone.

More Bach Recordings of Toccata and Fugues and of other Baroque pieces are available.