Tuesday, June 25, 2002

And now, a new feature:

How to tell which of Bach's Brandenburg Concerti you're currently listening to:

If it sounds like a full chamber orchestra with winds and horns, it's No. 1.
Is a really high-pitched trumpet featured prominently? No. 2.
A rich string ensemble characterizes No. 3.
Two flutes and a violin is No. 4
Lots of harpsichord, including the best cadenza ever written? No. 5.
If you've only got lower strings, and plenty of viola, you've got No. 6.

I don't know why I thought of that, except that they're playing No. 2 on the radio right now. I bet I could do that for Beethoven symphonies too. Next time.

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