Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the most prolific and important composers in the history of music. His countless compositions include the well-known Magnificat, the famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, the heavenly Stabat Mater, the enchanting Requiem, and the symphonic Suite in G. These works are a testament to Bach's genius and musical legacy. Here is a brief introduction to Bach and His music.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Born on March 17, 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach had the privilege of studying under two renowned musicians: his father and his mother. He became adept at playing both violin and organ at an early age. On May 3, 1694, he lost his mother, so his older brother took care of him and continued his musical training. After this, Johann Sebastian Bach began taking lessons at the harpsichord and organ. He mastered these instruments quickly and became a highly respected musician.
His music
While his secular works are primarily considered his best work, some of Bach's more sacred works are a must-hear as well. The two extant Passions of the seventeen-twenties, and the Mass in B minor from 1750, are profound works of sacred music. In both works, Bach employs secular devices for spiritual ends, drawing from ancient chants and admonitions. He also uses Renaissance madrigals and cantatas with skill and precision, absorbing the stock scenes and alluded to courtly French dances.
His sons
Johann Christian Bach was the youngest of Bach's sons. His father, Johann Sebastian Bach, had passed the age of 50 and served as a mentor to his younger sibling. He was born on 8 March 1725 in Leipzig, Germany, and was named after the town in Lower Saxony where his father played professionally. Bach was the most famous of Bach's sons, but the youngest was not as talented as his older brother, Carl Philipp Emanuel.
His musical legacy
There is much to admire in Bach's musical legacy. Not only did he forge the tonal system, he also contributed to its evolution. However, Bach was also comfortable with modal music, and he frequently returned to genres associated with this system. One of his most famous pieces, Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, imitates the genre of chromatic fantasia, which was popularized by Dowland. The piece is written in the D dorian mode, a key which is comparable to D minor in the tonal system.
His influence on later composers
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach has influenced many genres. Jazz, soul, and hip-hop were all influenced by his music. His orchestral works were influenced by the composers of Handel and Haydn, and his son Carl Philipp Emanuel developed his own style, exploring new means of expression. Bach's style also influenced other composers, including the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn.
His spirituality
Few people would dispute the depth of Bach's spirituality. Although his world was dominated by Lutherans and wealthy merchants, his works speak to a universal audience. While it is possible to despise Bach and his piety, few would doubt that his work is a gift to us all. Whether he was sincere or not, Bach's music is a timeless gift to all believers.
