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 (111–120)
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Among classical music, the masterpiece “Air on the G String” ranks among the most renowned.
This title is a popular nickname: the piece beloved around the world as “Air on the G String” is actually an arrangement for violin and piano by the German violinist August Wilhelmj, based on the second movement, “Air,” from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.
3 in D major, BWV 1068.
With its gentle progression and exquisite harmonies, this Baroque gem exudes an air of refinement and grace.
Even without any technical knowledge, anyone can appreciate the work’s timeless and imperishable beauty.
From ‘With heart and mouth and deed and life’ No. 10, Chorale chorus ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’J.S.Bach
The father of music, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach composed several church cantatas, and among his most famous works is Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben.
The chorale that concludes it, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, is a melody almost everyone has heard at least once.
From this work, a piece that’s perfect for the morning and highly recommended is “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, No.
10: Chorale Chorus ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.’” Though it features rich harmonies, it is wrapped in a light and warm atmosphere, so please use it as your morning background music.
ariosoJ.S.Bach
It is the second movement of Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto No.
5 in F minor, and its beautiful melody has been arranged for various instruments such as cello, piano, and guitar.
“Arioso” is a musical term in Italian meaning “in a singing style,” and it is also a type of solo vocal style in opera.
This piece uses the same melody as the sinfonia from Bach’s Cantata No.
156, “Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe” (“I stand with one foot in the grave”), and thus has the character of a vocal work.
Italian Concerto, BWV 971J.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, the Italian Concerto BWV 971, is renowned as a work for advanced players.
At a glance the score may seem simple, but once you actually play it, you’ll find it unexpectedly difficult and it demands intense concentration.
Rather than showcasing overt virtuosity like La Campanella, it is a piece that builds physical stamina, much like Feux follets.
If you want to strengthen your fundamental piano skills, I highly recommend tackling this work.
Invention No. 1, BWV 772 in C majorJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, who grew up in a musical family, enriched the German traditional style while establishing his own distinctive voice by incorporating Italian and French musical idioms.
Among his works, one of the most famous is the Inventions and Sinfonias, composed for music education.
This collection consists of two-part inventions as practice pieces, characterized by a bright and energetic tone.
Bach employs contrapuntal techniques to weave complex musical textures from simple themes.
Striking a balance between technical execution and musical expression, this work is ideal for nurturing creativity in all piano learners, from beginners to advanced players.
Invention No. 1, BWV 772J.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Inventions can be considered a staple collection that many piano students tackle when studying Baroque repertoire.
Among them, No.
1 is especially familiar—often used on television and in commercials—so many people have likely heard it without realizing it’s by Bach.
It’s an ideal piece for the transition from beginner to intermediate, allowing you to learn the characteristics of polyphonic music built from overlapping voices, such as the left hand chasing the right hand’s theme and the theme appearing in inversion.
Invention No. 4, BWV 775J.S.Bach
Bach’s masterpiece Invention No.
4, BWV 775 is indispensable for studying classical music, especially the Baroque.
Because of its lively melody, many beginners may feel it sounds complex and difficult at first listen.
In reality, however, it’s a piece that fits well under the hands and is relatively easy to play—even without much dynamic contrast, it still comes across convincingly.
Since there are many accidentals, be careful to avoid mistakes when reading the score, and proceed with patient, careful practice.