ABSTRACT

Studying the structure and materials in Bach's Italian Concerto is the subject of this essay. The meaning of this title was expressed by using 3-movement plan (slow-fast-slow) and ritornello form. These were not only influenced by A. Vivaldi, but also presented the style of concerto in Italy. Meanwhile, Bach did use the particular rhythm in Italian style in the second movement.

The Italian Concerto was written for a two-manual harpsichord. The indications of playing two-manual harpsichord were rarely marked on score, so this piece is probably the most clear one during the period from Couperin to Mozart. From this piece, Bach shows his talent to imagine and create the full orchestra idea in one solo instrument. It also displays the carefulness of Bach to choose the keys, the materials, the voicing and the tone color, which build the unique structure.