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 (131–140)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 6J.S.Bach
The Brandenburg Concertos are a collection of six concertos featuring various instrumentations and styles.
They are thought to have been composed by Bach during his tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Prince Leopold of Köthen, for the court orchestra there.
Later, they were compiled and dedicated to the Margrave of Brandenburg, which is why they are called the Brandenburg Concertos.
Prince Leopold was very fond of music and maintained, for the time, a relatively large and highly skilled orchestra.
Because Bach wrote these works for performance by that ensemble, they are pieces of high density both technically and musically, putting the soloists’ abilities to the test.
Polonaise in G minorJ.S.Bach
Many pieces that beginners can play are arranged at a relaxed tempo that doesn’t demand fast finger work.
As a result, pieces in major keys tend to end up sounding drawn-out.
Perhaps many beginners feel the same way.
For those people, I recommend this piece: Polonaise in G minor.
It’s a famous work by Johann Sebastian Bach, and although short, its memorable G minor structure is very appealing.
Try playing it while savoring the noble atmosphere of Baroque music.
MusetteJ.S.Bach
It’s attributed to Bach, but there’s a theory that he didn’t actually compose it, and some say it should be listed as composer unknown.
From the way it sounds, though, it’s full of Bach’s atmosphere.
Playing it as written in the score isn’t all that difficult.
Minuet in G major, BWV Anh. 114J.S.Bach
It’s a composition by Bach.
Even people who don’t play the piano or aren’t interested in classical music have probably heard it somewhere.
It’s a very beautiful piece, but simply playing it as written in the score isn’t particularly difficult.
Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004: I. AllemandeJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach is an indispensable composer when discussing Baroque music.
He is said to have laid the foundation of Western music, and in Japan, he is honored as the “Father of Music” for his great achievements.
This piece, Violin Partita No.
2 in D minor, BWV 1004: I.
Allemande, is one of his famous violin works and consists of five movements.
Today, it has also been arranged for instruments other than the violin.
It might be interesting to compare those arrangements as well.
Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543J.S.Bach
A German composer active from the 17th to the 18th century.
Appointed as a court organist and a cantor, he upheld the traditions of Protestant music while leaving over 1,000 works.
While grounded in polyphony and incorporating music from various regions, he elevated musical counterpoint to its utmost, earning the epithet “the Father of Music.” The prelude of this piece is filled with passionate moods, sharp tension, and dissonance, featuring rapid motion over sustained pedal tones.
The subject of the fugue, while related to that of the prelude, possesses a calm expressiveness in contrast to the prelude.
Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548J.S.Bach
This piece is said to have been written by Bach between 1727 and 1731, and an autograph manuscript is held at the Berlin State Library.
The prelude adheres to traditional compositional practice and has a brilliant character.
The fugue is in three parts: Parts I and III are four-voice fugues, while Part II is constructed like a toccata that showcases virtuosic expression.
Because the subject of the four-voice fugue gradually opens out in interval, the piece is affectionately known as “The Wedge.”
