Like many of the Bach concerti in the repertoire, the C-minor Concerto for violin and oboe was adapted from a concerto for two harpsichords
Most of Bach’s concerti are believed to have been written between 1717 and 1723 when, as Kapellmeister at the princely court of Anhalt-Cöthen, he led a small band of very accomplished players.
When Bach went to Leipzig to become Cantor of the Thomaskirche in 1723, his professional and personal life changed drastically. Cöthen, a Calvinist establishment, had no use for elaborate church music, and Bach concentrated on composing for orchestra. In Leipzig Bach was in charge of music for three churches and had little need to write concertos and little opportunity to perform them.
That’s all we need for background. Let’s listen to the music:
