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 (1–10)
Mass in B minor, BWV 232J.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor, a work he devoted his life to creating, is a monumental piece that can be called the culmination of his sacred music.
Believed to have been completed around 1749, it follows the Catholic Mass structure while incorporating Lutheran interpretation, resulting in a distinctive expression.
Bach’s contrapuntal mastery is on full display, beautifully fusing rigorous formal elegance with profound religious sentiment.
Born of Bach’s deep faith and musical genius, the work radiates a universal appeal that resonates through prayer and praise to God.
It’s highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for anyone wishing to experience the depth of sacred music.
Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052J.S.Bach
A masterpiece composed by Johann Sebastian Bach around 1738–1739.
It dates from the period when Bach served as music director in Leipzig.
Consisting of three movements in which the harpsichord solo unfolds brilliantly, it achieves a superb balance of power and delicacy.
The first movement features a vigorous ritornello form; the second is marked by a melancholic, ornamented melody; and the third again bursts forth with energetic development.
This work offers the full appeal of Baroque music and is highly recommended for those wishing to explore the charm of harpsichord repertoire.
Air on the G String, No. 2 from Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068J.S.Bach
An orchestral suite composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig in the 1720s.
Its second movement is a celebrated piece known for its graceful melody and gentle tempo.
Its unhurried character conveys a profound religious spirituality and universal emotion.
In the 19th century, violinist August Wilhelmj arranged it so that it could be performed entirely on the violin’s G string, which led to the title “Air on the G String.” With its simple structure and strikingly beautiful melodic line, this work is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those seeking a quiet moment or music that resonates with the heart.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (11–20)
Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542J.S.Bach
It’s a masterpiece among masterpieces of Bach’s organ works, known as the “Great Fugue.” It’s a piece that can truly be performed only on the majestic-sounding pipe organ.
The fugue’s theme was taken from a Dutch folk song.
It is also said to have been composed as an audition piece for a church organist.
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 1 in C major, BWV 846–869 BWJ.S.Bach
The Well-Tempered Clavier is a collection that anyone studying the piano has likely encountered at least once.
Every piece consists of a set pairing: a Prelude and a Fugue.
The Prelude comes first, and the Fugue follows, a form in which the opening subject is imitated across multiple voices in a kind of chase.
This most famous first piece was later used as the accompaniment for Gounod’s “Ave Maria.”
Chaconne, the 5th movement from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004, for solo violinJ.S.Bach
Among the works Bach left for solo violin, this piece is one of the most famous.
The Partita No.
2 consists of five movements, the last of which is the Chaconne.
Spanning about 15 minutes, this monumental movement boasts striking melodies, compelling development, and superb architecture, and it can be regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Baroque era.
From the dark, mournful tone in D minor to passages in D major filled with hope, its rich musical expression captivates the listener.
Technically demanding, it is a piece many violinists aspire to play.
Johannes Brahms and Ferruccio Busoni arranged it for solo piano as well, and those versions are also wonderful—do give them a listen.
St John Passion, BWV 245J.S.Bach
Alongside the St.
Matthew Passion, this work is equally beloved.
The tenor, called the Evangelist, narrates the story while reciting passages from the Bible.
Since it tells the story of Jesus’s Passion, it’s a piece I highly recommend listening to while following along with the text.