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 (31–40)
Motet “Jesu, Meine Freude” BWV 227J.S.Bach
A performance conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
Motets of this period were vocal works used in church, and Bach wrote a total of six.
In this motet, the chorale “Jesu, meine Freude” appears repeatedly in a variation-like form.
Nine Little Preludes in C major, BWV 927J.S.Bach
When it comes to Bach’s little preludes, the Six Little Preludes and the Nine Little Preludes are well known.
This time, I’d like to introduce the Nine Little Preludes in C major, BWV 927.
This piece is simply structured and short, and its difficulty places it around the middle of the beginner level.
The left hand from measure 9 might seem challenging, but since there are few leaps and it’s relatively easy overall, even beginners who feel less confident with the left hand should find it approachable to play.
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080J.S.Bach
A video featuring the Emerson String Quartet performing, with scrolling score.
This is a late work by Bach in which the subject is developed through various contrapuntal techniques.
There is no specific instrumentation, so it is performed on keyboard instruments and, as in this video, by ensembles.
The final fugue is unfinished.
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043J.S.Bach
In the 18th century, the composer Johann Sebastian Bach was highly active in Germany.
Known as one of the “Three Bs” of German music and featured in Japanese textbooks, he’s familiar to most people.
While many concertos are performed as solos—by a single performer—his Concerto for Two Violins brings out the appeal of a duet through two violin parts, and it is one of Bach’s most famous works for the instrument.
Its melodies employ counterpoint, a technique that mixes multiple lines while preserving each one’s independence, and it remains enduringly popular today.
Cantata “Be quiet, stop your chattering,” BWV 211J.S.Bach
It’s affectionately known as the Coffee Cantata.
The piece satirizes people who were obsessed with coffee at the time, and Bach himself seems to have believed it should be performed not in quiet places but in lively ones, so it was played in coffee houses.
There are two types of cantatas—church cantatas and secular cantatas—and this work falls into the secular category.
J.S. Bach | Introducing Masterpieces and Signature Works (41–50)
Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, BWV 564J.S.Bach
A masterpiece crafted by the Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach.
Its magnificent structure and performance techniques brilliantly showcase the organ’s full allure.
With the Toccata’s brilliance, the Adagio’s poignancy, and the Fugue’s lightness, each of the three movements presents a distinct character.
Composed around 1708 to 1714, this work overwhelms audiences in a performance lasting approximately 16 minutes and 30 seconds.
In the 20th century, it was arranged for piano and orchestra by Busoni and Stokowski, gaining broader performance opportunities.
Highly recommended for those who wish to savor the essence of organ music or delve into the depth of Baroque music.
Invention No. 2 in C minor, BWV 773J.S.Bach
Known as Invention No.
2, this work in C minor is a compelling piece that distills the contrapuntal techniques of the Baroque era.
As part of an educational collection compiled in 1723, it features a canon-like dialogue in which the right and left hands enter two measures apart.
Despite its brevity, it includes voice exchanges and modulations, requiring the performer to maintain independence and balance between the parts.
The introspective, austere atmosphere created by the key of C minor is striking, lending the piece an artistry that goes beyond a mere study.
It is recommended for those who wish to explore the beauty of counterpoint and the depth of Baroque music.
Offering both technical challenges and opportunities for musical expression, it is a valuable addition to a learner’s repertoire.