J.S. Bach - BWV 1068 - Air on the G string - From Suite no 3

"Air on the G String", also known as "Air for G String" and "Celebrated Air", is August Wilhelmj&1871 arrangement of the second movement of Johann Sebastian Bach&Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. The arrangement differs from the original in that the part of the first violins is transposed down so that it can be played entirely on a violin&lowest string, i.e., the G string. It is played by a single violin (instead of by the first violins as a group). Bach&third Orchestral Suite in D major, composed in the first half of the 18th century, has an "Air" as second movement, following its French overture opening movement. The suite is composed for three trumpets, timpani, two oboes, strings (two violin parts and a viola part), and basso continuo. In the second movement of the suite however only the strings and the continuo play. This is the only movement of the suite where all other instruments are silent. The music of the "Air" is written on four staves, for first and second violins, viola(s), and continuo. The interweaving melody lines of the high strings contrast with the pronounced rhythmic drive in the bass. In 1871, violinist August Wilhelmj arranged the second movement of Bach&third Orchestral Suite for violin and an accompaniment of strings, piano or organ (harmonium). On the score he wrote auf der G-Saite (on the G string) above the staff for the solo violin, which gave the arrangement its nickname. In Wilhelmj&version the piece is transposed down from its...