Three string groups share the musical initiative in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, with violone and harpsichord providing the ensemble’s foundation. Evoking the courtly world of the early eighteenth century, the scene brings the middle and lower voices into view as active participants in the conversation. i Work Information Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Title: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048 Date of composition: Completed in its surviving form by 24 March 1721; the precise date of the original composition remains unknown. First performance: Undocumented. Genre: Baroque concerto for strings and basso continuo Style: Baroque Structure: Two substantial fast movements framing a one-measure Adagio Duration: Approximately 10–12 minutes, depending on tempos, repeats, and the treatment of the Adagio Instrumentation: Three violins, three violas, three cellos, and basso continuo for violone and harpsichord Dedication: To Margrave Christian Ludw...