Over the years the three violin concertos have become "Classic Bach" almost as much as the Brandenburgs. The first, in a-minor, is a quiet, reflective piece, contrasting with the more lively E-Major concerto which follows. Back to the minor key again for the third in d, this time for two violins. They are Bach's only violin concertos which have come down to us, perhaps enjoyed all the more for their relative rarity.

Early works, probably composed at Cφthen and possibly even played there by the famous violinist from Dresden, Pisendel (with Bach playing second fiddle in 1043?!), these three concertos were re-written by Bach in his later, Leipzig years, as harpsichord concertos most probably for performance with the Collegium Musicum during one of the regular concerts at Zimmermann's Coffee House in the fashionable Catherine Strasse.

For the Violin & Oboe concertos however, we are working "backwards". We have the later, probably Leipzig-adapted two-harpsichord concerto which has long been familiar. The Violin & Oboe Concerto is an attempted "reconstruction" of a supposed original. The evidence for this particular combination of instruments is fairly substantial, and the result certainly makes enjoyable listening.

Similarly with the Concerto for Oboe d'amore, which is likewise a reconstruction of a harpsichord concerto. Especially interesting here is the unusual sound of the oboe d'amore, rarely heard these days!

These are performances in the traditional style, without any "authentic" gimmickry – played with respect as enjoyable music.