Abstract
This paper looks at Bach's First Brandenburg Concerto in F major. It examines the formal elements of the opening movement and the minuet and polacca at the end of the concerto.

From the Paper
"Johann Sebastian Bach achieved eminence first as a keyboard virtuoso and later as a prolific master composer in nearly all the musical forms and genres of the high Baroque. "

Tags:music, Bach, Brandenburg Concerto

Abstract
This paper explains that Bach simply entitled this music the "Six Concertos for several Instruments"; but, Philipp Spitta, 160 years after they were composed, named them the "Brandenburg Concertos", after Christian Ludwig, the margrave of Brandenburg, the most prominent patron of music in Berlin and Prussia. The author points out that the "Sixth Brandenburg Concerto" is distinctive because it features no violins and is scored for two violas, a cello and continuo (which is a bass part usually performed by a harpsichord), which gives it a far darker tone than the other five concerti. The paper states that this version performed by the "Classic Music Studio" Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Alexander Titov conducting, has a muffled sound and is too "Slavic" an interpretation to be appropriate for the Baroque Bach.

From the Paper
"While each concerto features a different set of instruments, all put together represent what music historians consider the synthesis of Baroque concerto styles. This was, of course, long before the concerto was created as a solo instrument playing its own melody, accompanied by an orchestra (Haydn, and of course, Mozart, perfected that style). Here they are considered as concerti grossi, in which a small body of "solo" instruments, called the concertino, contrasts with a larger orchestral group called the ripieno."

Tags:intonation, melody, movements, concerti-grossi, slavic

Abstract
This paper studies the dueling themes of reason and passion in the Khatchaturian concerto for violin and orchestra. The paper examines the construction of the concerto and provides a brief biography of the composer.

Tags:Music, Khatchaturian, Concerto, Russian, Music, Armenian, Hero

Abstract
This paper analyzes Mozart's Concerto for Violin & Orchestra No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, Movement I - Allegro. By using time codes to help the reader identify major changes in tempo, soloists and recapitulation, one can listen along to the movement and have a better understanding of Mozart's genius when writing his concertos.

From the Paper
"Mozart's Concerto No. 3 is in three movements. It was written in 1775 and the main theme played by the orchestra at the beginning of the first movement (Allegro) was borrowed from his Il re pastore ("The Shepherd King") (Lieberman, par. 2). The movement is set in the conventional sonata form with orchestral ritornellos alternating with the exposition, development, and recapitulation of the primary themes by the violin. The soloist gives a second exposition and the coda does not come until after an extended solo cadenza."

Tags:216, allegro, concerto, major, mozart, music, classical

Abstract
The paper looks at the broad context within which the elevation of the German-speaking peoples took place. The paper looks at the role the Treaty of Westphalia played in prompting German militarism under the reign of Frederick William I of Brandenburg. The paper explores in detail the policy initiatives and exploits of the three great leaders who turned Brandenburg-Prussia into an aspiring and powerful state: Frederick William I of Brandenburg, Frederick William I of Prussia and Frederick William II of Prussia. The paper argues that all three were driven by a desire to make the country militarily powerful, economically wealthy and with sufficient human resources to allow the fledgling nation to overcome the advantages of its neighbors and rivals.

From the Paper
"In the eighteenth century, the German peoples of Central Europe still lived within what was then the Holy Roman Empire. That is to say, there was still a Habsburg Emperor, there were still electors (albeit only eight after Bavaria and the Palatinate were joined in 1778) and there was still a Diet which met regularly at Ratisbon (Hayes, 342). Nonetheless, a case can be made that the German territories of the eighteenth century were ones in which the Holy Roman Empire became increasingly dispensable in the eyes of the inhabitants. For instance, the ancient Peace of Westphalia dictated that each German state was permitted to freely make war or peace without consulting the emperor - each prince, in fact, was granted sovereign authority (Hayes, 228). Thus, the political bonds which might have previously bound the German areas of continental Europe to the ancient empire of Charlemagne were vastly weakened - if not fatally undermined."

Tags:Treaty, of, Westphalia, Germany, Frederick, the, Great, military, territories, power

Abstract
Analysis of Antonio Vivaldi's solo concerto "Primavera" Op. 8, No. 1 ("Spring"). The first of the 4 concertos that make up The Four Seasons, a programmatic piece. Discusses the ideas of the poem. Discusses interpretations. Details each movement and its motifs.

From the Paper
"Antonio Vivaldi's Primavera, or Spring (Op. 8 no. 1) was the first of the set of concertos entitled Le quattro stagioni (Op. 8 nos. 1-4) published in Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione at Amsterdam in 1725 (although the date of their composition is uncertain). The Primavera is a solo concerto scored for Violino principale, two other violins (ripieno), violas, violoncellos and double basses with continuo (usually played on harpsichord). The four concertos provide an example of programmatic music, illustrating four simple poems addressed to the seasons which may have been written, or at least adapted, by Vivaldi himself.
In the poem to Spring, in rough outline, the goddess is welcomed by the singing of birds and the breath of Zephyrs which makes the brooks murmur. Thunder and lightning, one of her signs, arrive and darken the sky. The storm is soon over and the..."

Abstract
This paper explains, by describing in detail each movement, that Brahms's "Violin Concerto" demonstrates how a composer can use aspects of music to move the listener emotionally. The author, for example, details that Brahms signals changes of mood by using dramatic retards followed by rhythmic passages, thereby, communicating an inevitable feeling of both despair and hope. The paper concludes that the overall feeling of the listener is that in the midst of despair there is always a glimmer of hope (first movement), that in the midst of turbulent emotions we can find peace (second movement), and that life should be full of enthusiasm and joy (third movement.)

From the Paper
"Gradually, the orchestra fades out and the solo violin comes in more rapid and intense, followed by forceful rhythms of the orchestra that builds to an intense climax, but then backs off so a sweet violin melody accompanied by a flute can break through. This ebb and flow of intensity, gradual crescendos and decrescendos continues throughout the first movement, shifting the listener back and forth between hope and despair. In some places, the violin is only accompanied by light pizzicato in the strings. Finally, Brahms brings the movement to a dramatic conclusion with a sometimes fiery and sometimes gentle passage by the violin and a triumphal orchestral denouement. The entire movement gives a feeling of strong, conflicting emotions."

Tags:emotion, violins, retards, chords, pizzicato

Abstract
This paper provides a biography of the life and music of Johan Sebastian Bach, considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time and is celebrated as the creator of the "Brandenburg Concertos", "The Well-Tempered Clavier", the "Mass in B Minor", as well as numerous other masterpieces of church and instrumental music. It discusses how Bach brought together and synthesized the principle styles, forms and national traditions of his age, picking the best of each, and by bringing them together enriched them all. It provides a detail analysis of "Third Brandenburg Concerto", by looking at such issues as instrumentation, texture, framing, phrasing and mood.

From the Paper
"In the Third Brandenburg Concerto, the strings act as an ensemble throughout the entire work, sometimes as a group, and at other times with one instrumental group, say the violins, are given emphasis. Throughout the entire piece, a heavy Italian influence is present. As may be guessed, the harmony is carried by the harpsichord, while the melodies are carried by the strings. In this case, the Bass and the three cello's carry the lower, heavier part of the melody while the lighter, higher part of the melody is carried by the violins and the violas. Although the harmonies are somewhat different, they work in concert. One harmony will take the lead and the other will fall back or disappear. They also work in concert with each other, playing off each other and using the other to emphasize the statement of the music."

Tags:baroque, era, strings, styles, church, instrumental, music, masterpieces

From the Paper
"First Movement: Exposition (Bars 1-256). An orchestral unison in the strings announces the principal motive (not really a theme), figure 1, which is extended lyrically (ms. 9-16) to the full tutti repeat of the opening at measure 16. A progression to the subdominant at bar 24 leads to a developmental transition utilizing the scale figure from the opening and in secondary dominant on D (ms. 36-37) to cadence on G at bar 46.
An unprepared shift to g minor eventually leads to the second theme in E-flat major at measure 49, using G and B-flat as common tones. This theme, figure 2, provides much of the developmental material used throughout the movement, especially ... "

Abstract
The paper relates that Copland based his music on a deep appreciation of the music of Brahms and Bach. The author points out that both Copland and Bach were enthralled by folk music as evidenced in Brahms' 'Hungarian Dances' and Copland's 'Billy the Kid'. The paper relates that, upon being asked by Brahms who influenced him, Bach remembers the deference that he held for the great organist Buxtehude; whereas, Beethoven and Robert Schumann strongly influenced Brahms. The author reveals that Brahms was a homosexual, Copland was a communist and Bach rebelled against the Calvinist Prince Leopold, his sponsor, by composing also such secular music as the 'Brandenburg Concertos'. The paper concludes that the music of all three men were revolutionary in their own way.

From the Paper
"Think of your Hungarian Dances. You were enthralled by the gypsy music that you heard, and it was evident in much of what you wrote. I also fell in love with folk music. I wrote 'Billy the Kid', which is indubitably folk, as well as 'Rodeo,' both of which are beloved. I'm not sure if you watch much television, but the hoedown from Rodeo is used in the 'Beef, it's What's for Dinner' commercial." "Speaking of beef, what is for lunch?" Johann interjected. "Do they have any mince pie?" "I'm not sure," Aaron replied, "but you might like a hamburger."
"As in Hamburg?" both Brahms and Bach asked.""

Tags:folk, piano, revolutionary, atonal, requiem