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 (121–130)
Gavotte (Composed by Bach)J.S.Bach
This dance piece composed by the Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach may be a perfect practice piece for beginning violinists.
Born in 1685, Bach came from a family of musicians and lost his parents at a young age, yet he continued his musical education under his brother.
This work has a lively, rhythmic character and is not particularly demanding technically.
Bach believed that “music exists for the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul,” and that sentiment seems to be reflected in this piece as well.
It is recommended for those who have just started playing an instrument or who are beginning to take an interest in classical music.
By practicing slowly and steadily, you should be able to feel the depth of Bach’s music.
Chorale: Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
One piece from Bach’s Cantata No.
147, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” written for the service on July 2, 1723.
This day is a joyous feast known as the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The work consists of ten movements, and this final movement is particularly famous.
The Japanese title “Shu yo, hito no nozomi no yorokobi yo” is derived from the English title “Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
Sinfonia No. 11 in G minor, BWV 797J.S.Bach
Bach’s representative work, the Inventions (Sinfonias).
This time, I’ll introduce the Sinfonia No.
11 in G minor, BWV 797.
Among the Sinfonias, this piece is performed relatively often, so many of you may find it familiar.
Because it is built on a somewhat long, eight-bar subject, it demands expressiveness; even so, in terms of sheer technical difficulty, it falls into the easier category.
As you can tell from the development that appears at bar 51, reminiscent of bar 6, this is a work in which pedal control is key.
Trio Sonata No. 5 in C major, BWV 529J.S.Bach
A piece known as one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s signature works.
Though said to have been written with educational purposes in mind, its musicality goes far beyond a mere study piece.
Structured in three movements, the Allegro of the first movement is particularly striking for its lively, bright character.
The technique that creates the richness of sound as if there were three performers at a single organ truly showcases Bach’s genius.
Composed around 1727–1730, it is a work that fully conveys the appeal of Baroque music.
Violin Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006: III. Gavotte en RondeauJ.S.Bach
Among Bach’s unaccompanied violin works, the third movement of Partita No.
3 is especially famous.
It’s often used in commercials and TV shows—you’ve probably heard it at least once.
While solo violin pieces, played on a single violin without accompaniment, are captivating for their austere elegance and grandeur, this piece, being a gavotte dance song, has a bright and brilliant character.
Goldberg Variations (Aria and 30 Variations), G major, BWV 988J.S.Bach
The masterpiece “Goldberg Variations (Aria with 30 Variations) in G major, BWV 988” by Johann Sebastian Bach, the father of music.
Consisting of 32 pieces, it is known as one of the most challenging works among Bach’s compositions.
The particularly difficult aspect of this work is, above all, the octaves.
As the tempo becomes faster or more relaxed depending on the variation, the performer must handle wide octave spans amid complex tempo changes.
It’s a highly demanding piece that requires not only technical skill but also innate factors such as hand size.
Violin Concerto in E majorJ.S.Bach
It begins with arpeggios in E major and gradually develops as it approaches the end.
In the development section, it’s upgraded as if it had about four different faces, unconstrained by the original tone of the piece.
In contrast, the second and third movements simply repeat the same theme, so compared to the first movement they feel somewhat monotonous.
Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582J.S.Bach
A piece composed by Johann Sebastian Bach consisting of a passacaglia and a fugue.
A passacaglia is a triple-meter variation form with origins in Spain; in this piece, the eight-bar theme is performed twenty times, organized into four sections, each containing five variations.
It’s fascinating to hear the compelling theme return in a variety of arrangements.
The fugue that follows the passacaglia is a four-voice double fugue, and the weighty performance—employing the foot pedals for the bass—is truly magnificent.
PartitaJ.S.Bach
Bach’s masterwork, the Partita.
Because Bach’s music stands out for its strong musicality, you might not associate it with being difficult, but in fact this Partita is known as a highly challenging piece.
What particularly raises the difficulty are the second movement, the Allemande, and the fourth, the Sarabande! While it doesn’t demand advanced technique per se, in terms of atmosphere and expression it’s definitely suited for advanced players.
Give it a try.
French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816: AllemandeJ.S.Bach
The French Suites are pieces that many beginner pianists tackle before they start practicing the Inventions.
The Allemande from No.
5 in G major is a charming and gentle piece with an inviting character.
It’s also recommended as an entry point to Baroque repertoire that requires distinguishing between voices.
In addition to practicing each hand separately, try further separating the voices within each hand; this will help you more clearly understand how Bach’s works are built from overlapping multiple voices.
