Johann Sebastian Bach’s harpsichord concertos were written between 1729 and 1740 in Leipzig. The Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 was the first in the history of the keyboard concerto to contain an extended solo part for the harpsichord. In the harpsichord concertos that followed soon after, the keyboard instrument fully established its leading role. Meanwhile, manuscript studies have shown that Bach’s harpsichord concertos are derived from earlier concertos for other instruments. Felix Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto for Violin, Piano, and Strings in d minor shares certain similarities with Bach’s keyboard concertos, both in terms of its sparkling effervescence and youthful exuberance, but also in the many contrapuntal passages with which the young composer sought to demonstrate his capabilities. At the same time, Mendelssohn also sought to pay homage to “the Father of Western music.” It is widely known that he played a critical role in Bach’s rediscovery; Mendelssohn’s revival of the St. Matthew Passion helped to restore Bach’s rightful place in the history of music. Pianist Sabine Weyer performs regularly throughout Europe as an orchestra soloist and a recitalist. In 2016 she joined the faculty of the Music Conservatory of the City of Luxembourg. She is the artistic director of her own art festival “The classic Jam Sessions” at the Kinneksbond Mamer in Luxembourg.
