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 (21–30)
Little Fugue in G minor, BWV 578J.S.Bach
The Little Fugue in G minor, BWV 578, is one of the most popular organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach, a leading composer of the Baroque era.
Believed to have been composed in the early 1700s, it captivates listeners across generations with its complex harmonies created through the fugue form, in which the subject is successively taken up by different voices.
The fugue is one of the musical styles frequently employed in Bach’s works.
As it is also a form emblematic of Baroque music, those interested in music of the Baroque period are encouraged to listen while paying attention to how the voices overlap.
French Suite No. 1, BWV 812: SarabandeJ.S.Bach
For those who admire Baroque music but struggle with complex counterpoint, this piece is recommended.
Composed around 1722, it appears in Anna Magdalena Bach’s Notebook, indicating that it was intended for approachable, domestic performance.
It’s a slow dance in triple meter, characterized by simple harmonic progressions and beautiful ornamentation.
The tempo is leisurely, and there are no difficult phrases or virtuosic passages, so beginners to Baroque music can learn to play it quickly with practice.
Since tone color, expression, and dynamics are emphasized, play while exploring a beautiful sound.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (31–40)
French Suite No. 1, BWV 812 – Menuet IJ.S.Bach
Among the dance forms of the Baroque era, this elegant piece in triple meter was composed around 1722–1725 and is also included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach.
While its melody is simple and approachable, it also contains contrapuntal elements, and imagining the refined timbre resonating in a church helps bring out its character in performance.
Because the technical difficulty of this work is relatively low, it is recommended for those who have only recently started playing the piano or who are drawn to Baroque music.
In classical music, where tone color, expression, and dynamics are emphasized, try practicing long tones and exploring a beautiful sound as you play.
French Suite No. 3, BWV 814, MinuetJ.S.Bach
Brimming with the charm of an elegant and refined dance, this piece is cherished as part of a suite composed between 1722 and 1725.
Structured in ternary form, it exquisitely contrasts flowing, beautiful melodies with introspective, delicate expression, allowing performers to showcase a wide range of musicality.
While it requires an understanding of Baroque ornamentation and articulation, its technical demands are relatively modest, making it ideal for those who wish to focus on musical expression and sensitivity.
It is also widely featured in educational settings and is used as an important repertoire to cultivate both performance technique and musicality.
Orchestral Suite No. 2J.S.Bach
The second piece is notable for its prominent flute part.
It demands a high level of technical skill and musicality from the flutist.
Among the movements, the Polonaise is especially famous—the word means “in the Polish style.” You’ve likely heard it at least once.
The seventh movement, Badinerie, is also well known, so I recommend listening to it as well.
Cantate BWV191 – Gloria in excelsis DeoJ.S.Bach
Cantata BWV 191, which can be regarded as a kind of digest version of the Mass in B minor, is sung with the Latin text “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” It is performed at the service on Christmas Day.
It is also recommended as an introduction to the Mass.
French Suite No. 4, BWV 815J.S.Bach
Performance by the Russian pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva.
These are works from Bach’s Köthen period, comprising up to No.
6.
No.
4 consists of seven movements: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Air, Minuet, and Gigue.