In 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated 6 “concertos with several instruments” to margrave (military commander) Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg. According to the legend, Bach was on his way to Berlin to order an instrument and took the opportunity to perform for the margrave of the region. Musicians then relied upon the patronage of noble families and the church and Bach’s performance to the margrave had the desired effect: the commission of a number of works. However, the "Brandenburg Concerts" submitted to the margrave were never paid to Bach.
Concerto No 3 of the 6 Brandenburg concertos, is probably the most widely known and is scored for three violins and 3 cellos, all supported by the bass continuo and the harpsichord. All these instruments converse one with the other, in an exciting dialogue, with each group of instruments getting its own moment of prominence. This vivid and colourful music has a permanent galloping rhythm, in the spirit of a horse race, with the exception of a small pause in the middle in order for the performers take a breath.