The Arioso is the first movement in Johann Sebastian Bach’s 6-movement suite entitled Capriccio sopra la lontananza del suo fratello diletissimo (Capriccio on the Departure of his Most Beloved Brother.) The Capriccio was originally composed for harpsichord by Bach around 1704, when he was 19. I have orchestrated this unique example of program music in Bach’s oeuvre. I have employed an orchestral ensemble that Bach used in some of his works for orchestra: strings with a harpsichord continuo. In the 5th movement I introduce a solo instrument – a posthorn (or, more practically, a piccolo trumpet in B-flat, as a substitute.) Browsers who might be interested to know more about the background of this unique work can read my introductory essay – which can be located on page 2 by using Scorch’s page arrows.

To listen to all six movements in order, just jump down to the bottom of the page after each movement finished. You will find a box labeled Associated Scores, and in this box are links to the succeeding movements.

In addition to perusing the score online and hearing it played by basic MIDI sounds with SCORCH, you can also listen online to an MP3 of each movement, made with enhanced musical sounds. And if you wish, you can download these MP3 file free-of-charge for repeated listening.

Please let me know what you think of this arrangement of Bach’s Capriccio sopra la lontananza del suo fratello diletissimo - either by email (just click the button EMAIL THE PUBLISHER) or with an online review. I am always interested to read listeners’ comments.

MS