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.
- J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works
- J.S. Bach Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works
- [Baroque Music] A Curated Selection of Timeless Masterpieces and Famous Works
- Vivaldi’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- Today's Classics: Recommended classical music and great performances to listen to today
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Quartet] Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for String Quartet
- François Couperin Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Favorites
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (151–160)
Come, Savior of the heathen BWV 659J.S.Bach
This piece was composed by Bach for the period of waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is an opera-like church cantata consisting of six movements.
It is a work that returns to the roots of organ music as sacred music, and it’s interesting to imagine what feelings people might have had as they listened to it in church.
Many composers have set these lyrics to music, but Bach’s version is the best known.
The term “chorale” refers to a hymn-like song sung by the congregation in the Lutheran church.
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Finally, I will introduce just one piece from classical music, a treasure trove of instrumental works.
J.S.
Bach, a composer of the 17th century, is arguably the greatest composer in the Western tradition, having systematized and created numerous compositional techniques.
The harmonic progression of “Air on the G String” continues to be adapted in Western popular music to this day.
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 1, BWV 846, PreludeJ.S.Bach
The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of works for keyboard by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Among the two volumes consisting of preludes and fugues in all 24 keys, the piece most frequently heard is the Prelude No.
1 in C major, BWV 846, included in the first volume.
This piece is also known as the accompaniment to Charles Gounod’s Ave Maria.
While neither reading the score nor performing it is particularly difficult, precise finger control is crucial to achieve a beautiful performance.
For the performer, it might be considered a work that carries a certain sense of tension.
Toccata and Fugue in D minorJ.S.Bach
Composed by Bach at the age of 21, this is a famous organ piece.
The intro is often played in comedy sketches and anime.
I imagine some of you have found yourselves humming it when you want to gloss over something that went wrong or turn tragedy into laughter.
It’s one of those pieces everyone—from children to the elderly—knows, yet few know the title.
Jesus, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
Although originally composed for orchestra and choir, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” is a beloved classic among piano learners and is frequently performed at recitals.
Its elegant, serene atmosphere is perfect for Christmas, when you want to indulge in a slightly richer mood with gifts and festive treats.
It’s also recommended for showcasing at parties or family meals.
You might even enjoy quietly savoring the afterglow of a party while listening to a piano performance of this piece.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
This is a church cantata said to have been composed by Bach in 1723 for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It consists of ten movements, and the final chorale is widely known as “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Many people today may recognize it as background music in classical settings.
Bach, often called the father of music, wrote many works employing refined counterpoint.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (161–170)
Unaccompanied Partita “Chaconne”J.S.Bach
The “Chaconne,” the fifth piece of the Sonata and Partita No.
2 for Solo Violin.
A “chaconne” is the name of a dance-form piece in which a brief, set melodic and harmonic pattern appears at the outset and is then repeated persistently while developing in various ways.
In this piece as well, the theme is presented in the opening eight measures, and over the course of 30 repetitions of that structure, music of a grandeur scarcely believable for an unaccompanied violin unfolds.
