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)
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.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (131–140)
French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816: GavotteJ.S.Bach
In studying polyphonic music, many piano learners tackle a classic piece: Johann Sebastian Bach’s French Suite No.
5 in G major, BWV 816, “Gavotte.” Although it was composed with performance on instruments like the harpsichord in mind, before the piano existed, it is now cherished as a piano work.
Combining courtly elegance with a charming quality that evokes an innocent child, this piece is recommended for a wide range of players, from adults to children.
While maintaining precise rhythm, perform it so as not to lose its lightness and sense of optimism.
Flute Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major, BWV 1031, II. “Siciliano”J.S.Bach
The second movement, “Siciliano,” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Flute Sonata No.
2 in E-flat major, BWV 1031, is a highly popular piece for solo piano, with numerous recordings by renowned pianists.
Its serene melody gains even greater emotional depth when performed on the piano, an instrument that combines delicacy with richness.
Although this piece has traditionally been attributed to Bach, the prevailing view today suggests it may not actually be his work.
That air of mystery—with its many unanswered questions—only adds to its allure, doesn’t it?
The Art of Fugue in D minor, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 14J.S.Bach
The Art of Fugue, composed by Bach—known as the “Father of Music.” In the late 1740s, during the final years of his life, publication was being prepared alongside the composition, but the composer’s eyesight deteriorated rapidly, and work on Contrapunctus 14 was halted while still unfinished.
In addition, although it is performed today by various ensembles such as piano, string quartet, and orchestra, the piece leaves many mysteries since no instruments are specified.
It is a work whose appeal lies in Bach’s characteristically rigorous form and its solemn yet pleasing harmonic sonorities.
