This concerto, likely transcribed by Bach from earlier works, showcases the intricate interplay of three harpsichords with orchestra, a rare configuration in Baroque music. Its origins remain debated, with some scholars suggesting it was adapted from lost violin concertos.
The Concerto for Three Harpsichords in D minor, BWV 1063, is a masterpiece of the Baroque concerto genre. Its origins are a subject of scholarly debate: some suggest it is Bach's original work, possibly written for performance with his sons Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philipp Emanuel, while others theorize it may be a transcription of a lost concerto for multiple violins by another composer, perhaps Vivaldi. The work is characterized by its dramatic outer movements, with a powerful unison theme, and a beautifully poignant central Siciliano movement. Despite the uncertainty of its genesis, it stands as one of Bach's most compelling concerted works.
