Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
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J. S. Bach is perhaps the most famous composer of the baroque period. In fact his works
have an encyclopedic quality to them - he tended to write sets of pieces exhaustively exploring a
particular style - almost as though he felt his era was coming to an end and he wanted to document
the musical style before it changed forever. |
Soprano aria Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid (Ah God, how many a heart-pang).From Cantata BWV 58
Composed for the 2nd Sunday of the New Year. |
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Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
|
To his contemporaries, Bach was famous as a virtuoso without equal on the organ and other keyboard instruments, though
these days his fame probably rests more on his cantatas and passions. |
Partita No. 4 BWV 828, in D Major, for solo harpsichord |
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Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
|
In the sonatas for harpsichord and violin, Bach composed for the harpsichord in a very innovative way, for the times,
treating it as
a solo instrument on an equal footing with the violin instead of as an accompanying instrument. |
Sonata for harpsichord and obbligato violin BWV 1015, in A Major
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Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
|
Although the soprano part in this famous cantata (Jauchzet Gott) is extremely virtuosic, Bach never
uses the virtuosity as a means to an end. In this aria the 12/8 time suggests, in its amiable
rocking siciliano rhythm, the realisation of divine goodness as depicted in the text by God
the Good Shepherd. |
Soprano aria Hochster, mache deine Gute (Father give us still thy favor). From Cantata BWV 51.
Composed for the 15th Sunday after Trinity
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Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
|
This piece is a breathtaking journey through a kaleidoscope of human emotions, and is probably the most
important composition based on the chaccone motive ever written. |
Chaconne from Partita in d minor for solo violin, BWV 1004
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Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach 1685; d Leipzig 1750
|
This joyful aria is a fitting end to the concert and beginning to the New Year! |
Soprano aria Jesus soll mein erstes Wort (Jesus first I speak Thy Name). From Cantata BWV 171.
Composed for the 1st Sunday of the New Year. |
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