J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works

Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772J.S.Bach

Bach / Invention No. 1 in C major (J. S. Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772)

Inventions, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a representative composer of the Baroque era, are among the indispensable works for tackling Baroque repertoire in piano study.

Among them, No.

1 is often used on television and in commercials, so many people may have heard it without realizing it is by Bach.

Compiled between 1720 and 1723, this collection is an educational work written for Bach’s eldest son.

It is perfectly suited for beginners, as it teaches the characteristics of polyphonic music—constructed from overlapping voices—such as the left hand chasing the right hand’s theme, or the theme appearing in inversion.

Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother, BWV 992J.S.Bach

2015 PTNA Special Class Second Round Yuta Yano — Bach: Capriccio “On the Departure of a Beloved Brother,” BWV 992

Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother, BWV 992—written for keyboard—is one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most famous early works.

It consists of six movements, each with a striking subtitle such as “The friends try to dissuade him from his journey.” Since a complete performance takes about ten minutes, it’s best to start by tackling one movement at a time.

The piece has a compelling, story-like character, so you’ll naturally find yourself wanting to try the other movements, too!

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Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772J.S.Bach

Bach / Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major (J.S. Bach – Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major, BWV 787, from Three-Part Invention)

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sinfonias are a collection of 15 pieces composed in three-part contrapuntal writing.

Compared to the two-part Inventions, the interplay between voices is more intricate and the range broader.

The First Sinfonia features an expansive character with ascending motifs appearing in succession.

It’s ideal to perform in a way that preserves a flowing smoothness while clearly articulating the three voices.

Understanding the piece’s structure will make it easier to play, so in addition to practicing each hand separately, it’s recommended to practice by separating and focusing on each individual voice.

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Musette in D majorJ.S.Bach

J.S. Bach / Musette in D major Performance: Kyoko Nakagawa

Bach’s famous piece “Musette in D major.” A musette refers to a style of French music that uses bagpipes, and this work also features accompaniment built around sustained low notes, a hallmark of the musette.

Although the piece opens abruptly with octaves in the left hand, legato is more important overall, and since there are no left-hand passagework runs, it should be easy even for beginners to play.

Because it interweaves legato and non-legato, it can be considered a very useful piece for learning the basics of the left hand.

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Fugue from the Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001, for Solo ViolinJ.S.Bach

[With Sheet Music] J.S. Bach: Fugue from Sonata No. 1 in G Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1001 (J.S. Bach: Sonata No. 1 for Solo Violin BWV 1001 II. Fuga)

This is a masterpiece composed in 1720 by Johann Sebastian Bach, a composer emblematic of the Baroque era.

It is one of six works for solo violin, with particular attention given to the second movement, known as the “Fugue.” Demanding the advanced technique of playing multiple melodic lines simultaneously on a single violin, this work fully showcases Bach’s genius for composition.

Pushing the violin’s possibilities to their limits, it offers profound inspiration to both performers and listeners.

It is a highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to experience the depth and beauty of classical music.