In many of his works, Johann Sebastian Bach made use of a hidden symbolism of numbers. The number “three” had a special meaning for him and was the basis for the triple concertos, the concertos for three solo instruments, recorded here. On one hand, the number three had for Bach a Christian connotation; on the other hand, there were also entirely profane reasons. As an essential element of late-baroque texture, the “three” was reflected in the trio sonata, whose structure was the basis of numerous instrumental and vocal pieces. Bach probably composed the Concerto for three harpsichords for two of his sons (and pupils), taking the third part himself. In the Third Brandenburg Concerto, the idea of three solo instruments is carried even further in that each of the three string groups – violins, violas, and violoncellos – have three independent parts.
Harmony of Nations presents its second album on Raumklang, "Bach Tripl3s". Like the ensemble’s debut album, "Les Caractères de la Danse", "Bach Tripl3s" also combines youthful freshness and technical perfection. Harmony of Nations was founded in 2004 by twenty young musicians from fourteen different nations, hence the orchestra’s name. Since then it has collaborated with numerous well-known musical personalities from the Early Music scene, including Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Ton Koopman, Andrew Manze, Alfredo Bernardini, Konrad Junghänel, and, as in this recording, Laurence Cummings.© Raumklang/harmonia mundi