J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works
The songs that are popular today—across not only classical music but also pop and jazz—are deeply influenced by past composers.
Among them, classical music is often called the foundation of music, and it’s no exaggeration to say that Johann Sebastian Bach, known as the “Father of Music,” was one of the figures who laid that very groundwork.
Bach’s music, while carrying a religious hue, is characterized by philosophical depth and intricately refined structure down to the finest details, with melodies of exceptional beauty.
Please take a look into the world of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers in history.
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J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (71–80)
French Suite No. 5, BWV 816J.S.Bach
It consists of pieces named after dance forms: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Bourrée, Loure, and Gigue.
I feel that many of the pieces are gentle and refined.
Bach himself did not title this work “French Suites.” However, I find it to be a charming set of pieces brimming with a French flair.
Flute Sonata, BWV 1034J.S.Bach
A performance by flutist Emmanuel Pahud, harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock, and cellist Jonathan Manson.
Seven manuscript copies survive, suggesting the piece was highly popular even in its own time.
It consists of four movements: Adagio ma non troppo, Allegro, Andante, and Allegro.
Concerto for Flute, Violin, and Harpsichord, BWV 1044J.S.Bach
A performance by Frans Brüggen on flute, Marie Leonhardt on violin, and Gustav Leonhardt on harpsichord.
The first and third movements are taken from the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 894, originally for clavier, and the second movement is thought to be an arrangement of the second movement from the Trio Sonata No.
2, BWV 526.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (81–90)
MagnificatJ.S.Bach
It was originally composed in a different form in 1723, but was revised between 1728 and 1731 to become the Magnificat as we know it today.
It is a brilliant, bright piece full of joy.
“Magnificat” refers to a hymn in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Lute Suite No. 3, BWV 995J.S.Bach
A performance on lute by Walter Gerwig.
Bach also left several works for lute or lautenwerk (a harpsichord strung with gut).
This Lute Suite No.
3 is Bach’s own arrangement of the Cello Suite No.
5 in C minor, BWV 1011.
Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1014J.S.Bach
A performance by violinist Henryk Szeryng and harpsichordist Helmut Walcha.
A total of six violin sonatas survive.
This First Sonata consists of four movements: Adagio, Allegro, Andante, and Allegro.
Easter OratorioJ.S.Bach
Bach composed three sacred oratorios.
Compared to the Christmas Oratorio, this Easter Oratorio gives a somewhat more serious impression.
As a Japanese person, I can’t quite grasp the feeling, but I envy the atmosphere of churches where performances like this are given on Easter.