What is special about Bach's Brandenburg Concertos?

• A. They feature a fixed solo instrument throughout
• B. They are written only for keyboard
• C. They use a larger choir than other works
• D. The solo moves around the ensemble from instrument to instrument

Answer: (D)

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are notable for alternating the solo instrument across the pieces, rather than sticking to one fixed solo voice. Each concerto groups a small concertino against the larger ensemble, but the solo spotlight moves from movement to movement from instrument to instrument—violin in some parts, oboe, recorder, or even trumpet in others. This creates a lively dialogue between the soloists and the ripieno and showcases a range of timbres and virtuosity within the same collection. The other ideas don’t fit: they aren’t written for keyboard only, they don’t employ a larger choir, and the emphasis isn’t on a single fixed instrument throughout.