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Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music (1685-1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a preeminent German composer renowned for his contrapuntal techniques and innovative harmonic organization during the Baroque period. Though he was primarily recognized as an organist in his lifetime, his compositions, such as the Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue in BWV 564, showcase his mastery of imitative polyphony. Orphaned at a young age, Bach cultivated his talent through family support and scholarships, eventually influencing Western music theory. His works continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and complexity.

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Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music (1685-1750)

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  1. Unit 3baroque 1600-1750

  2. Johann sebastianbach • 1685-1750 • German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, violinist. • Known for contrapuntal technique, and harmonic and motivic organization • Fugue (like extreme imitative polpyhony !) • During lifetime, respected more as organ player than composer Toccata, Adagio & Fugue, BWV 564 - Fuga

  3. Father was a director of musicians: Uncles were all professional musicians • Orphaned at 10, but continued to learn from family (brothers), • received scholarships for music • Worked as an organist in Arnstadt, but disliked the choir. Randomly took months off to walk 250 miles and stay with an older organ master (Buxtehude) for months • Wanted to be Buxtehude’s “amanuensis” (assistant/successor), but would not marry daughter • Married his second cousin, had seven children (only four survived to adulthood) • While in Kothen, his wife suddenly died. • Married a highly talented soprano (17 years younger!) and had thirteen more children (six survived to adulthood) • All his children became musicians. • Continued to work for better churches, as royalty/patrons would hire him. • Weimar, Kothen, Leipzig • Never got to write an opera – Why?

  4. Emotion in Harmony • Harmonies created with purpose! • Not just incidental because of polyphony • Not just one melody note (fauxbourdon) and a few intervals • Importance of BASS voice as well as melody! • TWO voices (melody and bass) with MULTIPLE intervals • Tension created by intervals • Dominant pedal • Suspensions (Close intervals  wider intervals) • Melodies written in “major” and “minor” modes • Began to influence how chords were conceptualized Prelude and Fugue in e minor - Prelude Vater Unser Im Himmelreich, BWV 737 Fantasia & Fugue In G Minor, BWV 542, "The Great"

  5. Bach’s Harmonic Genius • Figured Bass • Same idea as Fauxbourdon, but BACKWARDS and EXPANDED! • Note– Basso Continuo used figured bass! • ALL players were required to “Realize” figured bass!

  6. Modern major/minor • Do Re MiFa So La Ti Do • Do Mi So Do • Do Re Me Fa So Le Te Do • Do Me So Do Scales are actually just PATTERNS of HALF STEPS and WHOLE STEPS Major: W-W-H-W-W-W-H Minor: W-H-W-W-H-W-W

  7. Bach as teacher • Don’t forget – he wrote music for all instruments, voices, occasions… and LEVELS OF ABILTIY! • Well -Tempered Clavier • Explores every key, major and minor • Interesting debate about tuning practices of the day (“meantone”) • 2 and 3 part “inventions” • Explores counterpoint, all rules of rhythms/harmonies

  8. Practice

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