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 (11–20)
Cantata “My Heart Is Full of Sorrow,” BWV 21J.S.Bach
A cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach around 1713.
Depicting profound spiritual anguish and its overcoming, the work is in two parts and consists of eleven movements.
The first part, quoting words from the Psalms, expresses the sufferings of life and a sense of loneliness as if abandoned by God.
The second part portrays salvation through God’s mercy, and beautifully captures the moment of healing from suffering, notably through a duet for soprano and bass.
It is regarded as one of the most grandiose among Bach’s early cantatas, skillfully rendering in music the psychological drama that moves from anguish to redemption.
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, BWV 1050J.S.Bach
Composed around 1720 by Johann Sebastian Bach, this work is groundbreaking in the way it brings the harpsichord to the fore as a solo instrument.
The Brandenburg Concertos comprise six pieces, and among them, the Fifth features the flute and violin as solo instruments as well, making it particularly striking even within the set.
The bright, courtly atmosphere of the first movement, the melancholic mood of the second, and the resplendent return in the third movement unfold as if expressing the joys and sorrows of life.
Showcasing Bach’s musical genius and originality to the fullest, this piece is highly recommended for anyone wishing to savor classical music more deeply.
Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971J.S.Bach
A work for solo harpsichord composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and published as part of the Clavier-Übung II.
It is characterized by vividness and lightness influenced by the Italian concerto form.
Consisting of three movements, each presents a distinct musical character.
Through indications of forte and piano, it imitates the contrasting instrumental groups of a concerto, realized by using a two-manual harpsichord.
Popular even during Bach’s lifetime, it was praised by the critic Scheibe as “the greatest and finest concerto to be played on a single instrument.” Its bright and lively melodies, beautiful lyricism, and brilliant rhythms are captivating; it is widely performed on piano and harpsichord and is so popular that it is often arranged for other instruments as well.
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minorJ.S.Bach
The chromatic fugue subject defines the character of the entire piece.
The sections where you can freely vary the tempo are where the performer can really showcase their skill.
Because it uses chromaticism, it exudes an overall strange and mysterious atmosphere.
Bach himself also used this piece for lessons.
Chorale Prelude “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme,” BWV 645J.S.Bach
This is an arrangement for organ of the famous chorale that appears as the fourth movement in the cantata of the same name, “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme,” BWV 140.
It is well known as the first piece in the collection of organ chorales known as the Schübler Chorales, and it is cherished as a model for composing organ chorales.
Come, let us praise God together.J.S.Bach
A majestic chorale composed by Bach, the father of music.
Born in Germany in 1685, Bach created works suffused with profound spirituality.
This piece evokes a powerful yet warm vision of communal prayer in praise of God.
Its four-part texture weaves rich harmonies that recall the sound of an organ resounding through a church, filling the heart with purity.
The work has also been included in educational collections for wind band and has been performed by many who are learning ensemble fundamentals.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to immerse yourself in music in a quiet space or enjoy performing while feeling a sense of unity with your companions.
Lend your ear to this musical treasure, where beautiful melodies interlace.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (21–30)
O Thou, God the FatherJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, the father of music.
The Orgelbüchlein, a collection of organ pieces that Bach left around 1713 during his Weimar period, contains many masterpieces.
This work, one of the pieces from that collection, is an arrangement of a chorale based on the Lord’s Prayer.
Its calm yet noble melody, together with the delicately ornamented inner voices, seems to embody the very spirit of deep prayer.
It was originally performed in church services as an introduction to hymns sung by the congregation.
On a night when you wish to quiet your heart, or in the morning when you want to begin the day with a pure mind, imagine the sound resonating in a church and listen, savoring each and every note.