Completion of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos

Compositional Context. Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer of the late Baroque period, was known for his prolific output across various instruments. While the Brandenburg Concertos were presented in 1721, they were likely composed earlier. Some works, such as Concerto No. 5, feature a prominent harpsichord part linked to an instrument Bach purchased in Berlin in 1719.

Compilation and Presentation. In 1721, Bach compiled the six concertos, writing them almost entirely in his own hand rather than using a copyist. He presented the collection to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, under the title Six Concerts avec plusieurs instruments. The dedication letter, dated 24 March, references a previous performance Bach gave at the Margrave's command.