Concerto for Clavier and Orchestra № 5, is also a transcription of the lost violin concerto, now often performed in a reverse arrangement. This work stands out for its combination of dramatic tension, which immediately grips the listener from the first bars, and its minimalist performance style - in length it is one of the shortest in the series.
Consists of three movements:
Allegro
Largo
Presto
The first movement is filled with a stark and powerful main theme, with a characteristic interplay - an “echo” - between soloist and orchestra that is a prime example of Bach's thematicism. The improvisatory manner in which the solo part is performed gives special expressiveness to the climactic moments.
The second movement, Largo in A flat major, is a lyrical “retreat”. To create a special mood, subtle and transparent instrumentation is used here: the graceful, sublime melody, decorated with figurations, is entirely centered on the soloist, accompanied by light chords of strings. This movement was also used by the composer as an introduction to Cantata No 156, where it is performed by the oboe.
The third movement, Presto, returns to more dramatic imagery. The main theme here resembles the ritournelle of the first movement and also contains an “echo” effect. In the finale, dance features are also evident: a fast rhythm in triple time with a movement reminiscent of the old French dance of minuet or paspe.