Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a … Read Full Bio ↴Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. He is known for instrumental compositions such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Goldberg Variations, and vocal music such as the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor. Since the 19th-century Bach Revival he has been generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.
The Bach family already counted several composers when Johann Sebastian was born as the last child of a city musician in Eisenach. Having become an orphan at age 10, he lived for five years with his eldest brother, after which he continued his musical formation in Lüneburg. From 1703 he was back in Thuringia, working as a musician for Protestant churches in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen and, for longer stretches of time, at courts in Weimar—where he expanded his repertoire for the organ—and Köthen—where he was mostly engaged with chamber music. From 1723 he was employed as Thomaskantor (cantor at St. Thomas) in Leipzig. He composed music for the principal Lutheran churches of the city, and for its university's student ensemble Collegium Musicum. From 1726 he published some of his keyboard and organ music. In Leipzig, as had happened in some of his earlier positions, he had a difficult relation with his employer, a situation that was little remedied when he was granted the title of court composer by the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland in 1736. In the last decades of his life he reworked and extended many of his earlier compositions. He died of complications after eye surgery in 1750.
Bach enriched established German styles through his mastery of counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and his adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bach's compositions include hundreds of cantatas, both sacred and secular. He composed Latin church music, Passions, oratorios and motets. He often adopted Lutheran hymns, not only in his larger vocal works, but for instance also in his four-part chorales and his sacred songs. He wrote extensively for organ and for other keyboard instruments. He composed concertos, for instance for violin and for harpsichord, and suites, as chamber music as well as for orchestra. Many of his works employ the genres of canon and fugue.
Throughout the 18th century Bach was primarily valued as an organist, while his keyboard music, such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, was appreciated for its didactic qualities. The 19th century saw the publication of some major Bach biographies, and by the end of that century all of his known music had been printed. Dissemination of scholarship on the composer continued through periodicals and websites exclusively devoted to him, and other publications such as the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV, a numbered catalogue of his works) and new critical editions of his compositions. His music was further popularised through a multitude of arrangements, including for instance the Air on the G String, and of recordings, for instance three different box sets with complete performances of the composer's oeuvre marking the 250th anniversary of his death.
The Bach family already counted several composers when Johann Sebastian was born as the last child of a city musician in Eisenach. Having become an orphan at age 10, he lived for five years with his eldest brother, after which he continued his musical formation in Lüneburg. From 1703 he was back in Thuringia, working as a musician for Protestant churches in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen and, for longer stretches of time, at courts in Weimar—where he expanded his repertoire for the organ—and Köthen—where he was mostly engaged with chamber music. From 1723 he was employed as Thomaskantor (cantor at St. Thomas) in Leipzig. He composed music for the principal Lutheran churches of the city, and for its university's student ensemble Collegium Musicum. From 1726 he published some of his keyboard and organ music. In Leipzig, as had happened in some of his earlier positions, he had a difficult relation with his employer, a situation that was little remedied when he was granted the title of court composer by the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland in 1736. In the last decades of his life he reworked and extended many of his earlier compositions. He died of complications after eye surgery in 1750.
Bach enriched established German styles through his mastery of counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and his adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bach's compositions include hundreds of cantatas, both sacred and secular. He composed Latin church music, Passions, oratorios and motets. He often adopted Lutheran hymns, not only in his larger vocal works, but for instance also in his four-part chorales and his sacred songs. He wrote extensively for organ and for other keyboard instruments. He composed concertos, for instance for violin and for harpsichord, and suites, as chamber music as well as for orchestra. Many of his works employ the genres of canon and fugue.
Throughout the 18th century Bach was primarily valued as an organist, while his keyboard music, such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, was appreciated for its didactic qualities. The 19th century saw the publication of some major Bach biographies, and by the end of that century all of his known music had been printed. Dissemination of scholarship on the composer continued through periodicals and websites exclusively devoted to him, and other publications such as the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV, a numbered catalogue of his works) and new critical editions of his compositions. His music was further popularised through a multitude of arrangements, including for instance the Air on the G String, and of recordings, for instance three different box sets with complete performances of the composer's oeuvre marking the 250th anniversary of his death.
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01Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: I. AllegroBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
02Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: II. AdagioBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
03Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major, BWV 1048: III. AllegroBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
05Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050: I. AllegroBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
06Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050: II. AffettuosoBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
07Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050: III. AllegroBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
09Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: I. OuvertureBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
10Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
11Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: III. Gavotte I - II - IBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
12Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: IV. BourréeBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
13Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: V. GigueBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
14Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: I. OuvertureDrottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison
15Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: II. RondeauDrottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison
16Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: III. SarabandeDrottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison
17Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: IV. Bourrée 1 & 2Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison
18Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: V. Polonaise - DoubleDrottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison & Johann Sebastian Bach
19Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VI. MenuetDrottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Penelope Evison
20Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VII. BadineriePenelope Evison & Johann Sebastian Bach
21Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 1006: I. PreludioNobuko Imai & Johann Sebastian Bach
23Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 1006: III. Gavotte en RondeauNobuko Imai & Johann Sebastian Bach
24Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 1006: IV. Menuet 1 & 2Nobuko Imai & Johann Sebastian Bach
27Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004: I. AllemandeConrad von der Goltz & Johann Sebastian Bach
28Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004: II. CorrenteConrad von der Goltz & Johann Sebastian Bach
29Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004: III. SarabandaVarious Artists & Johann Sebastian Bach
30Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004: IV. GigaConrad von der Goltz & Johann Sebastian Bach
31Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004: V. ChaconneConrad von der Goltz & Johann Sebastian Bach
32Cantata BWV 208, "Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!": IX. Schäfe können sicher weide (Sheep may safely graze)Riga Brass Band & Johann Sebastian Bach
33Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: I. Chorus: Herz und Mund und Tat und LebenBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
34Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: II. Recitative (Tenor): Gebenedeiter Mund!...Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
35Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: III. Aria (Alto): Schäme dich, o Seele, nichtBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
36Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: IV. Recitative (Bass): Verstockung kann Gewaltige verblendenBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
37Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: V. Aria (Soprano): Bereite dir, Jesu, noch itzo die BahnBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
38Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 1: VI. Chorale: Wohl mir, dass ich Jesum habeBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
39Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 2: VII. Aria (Tenor): Hilf, Jesu, hilf, dass ich auch dich bekenneBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
40Cantata, Bwv 147, "Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben", Part 2: VIII. Recitative (Alto): Der Höchsten AllmachtBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
41Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 2: IX. Aria (Bass): Ich will von Jesu Wundern singenBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
42Cantata, BWV 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben", Part 2: X. Chorale: "Jesu bleibet meine Freude" (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring)Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
44Six Schübler Chorales: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645Hans Fagius & Johann Sebastian Bach
49Six Schübler Chorales: Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650Hans Fagius & Johann Sebastian Bach
50Aria and 30 Variations, BWV 988, "Goldberg Variations": I. AriaDaniel Benn & Johann Sebastian Bach
51Sonata in E-Flat Major for Flute and Harpsichord, BWV 1031: I. Allegro moderatoSharon Bezaly and Terence Charlston & Johann Sebastian Bach
52Sonata in E-Flat Major for Flute and Harpsichord, BWV 1031: II. SicilianoSharon Bezaly and Terence Charlston & Johann Sebastian Bach
53Sonata in E-Flat Major for Flute and Harpsichord, BWV 1031: III. AllegroSharon Bezaly and Terence Charlston & Johann Sebastian Bach
54Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: Adagio in B MinorBach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
55Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007: I. PreludeTorleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
56Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007: II. AllemandeTorleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
57Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007: III. CouranteTorleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
58Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007: IV. SarabandeTorleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
59Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007: V. Menuet I - Menuet IITorleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
61Concerto No. 1 in A Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1041: I. AllegroRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
62Concerto No. 1 in A Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1041: II. AndanteRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
63Concerto No. 1 in A Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1041: III. Finale: Allegro assaiRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
64Concerto No. 2 in E Major for Violin and Strings, BWV 1042: I. AllegroRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
65Concerto No. 2 in E Major for Violin and Strings, BWV 1042: II. AdagioRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
66Concerto No. 2 in E Major for Violin and Strings, BWV 1042: III. Finale: Allegro assaiRyo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
74Double Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins and Strings, BWV 1043: I. VivaceRyo Terakado, Natsumi Wakamatsu, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
75Double Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins and Strings, BWV 1043: II. Largo ma non tantoRyo Terakado, Natsumi Wakamatsu, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
76Double Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins and Strings, BWV 1043: III. AllegroRyo Terakado, Natsumi Wakamatsu, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
77Double Concerto in C Minor for Oboe, Violin and Strings, BWV 1060: I. AllegroMarcel Ponseele, Ryo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach
78Double Concerto in C Minor for Oboe, Violin and Strings, BWV 1060: II. Adagio (attacca)Marcel Ponseele, Ryo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
79Double Concerto in C Minor for Oboe, Violin and Strings, BWV 1060: III. AllegroMarcel Ponseele, Ryo Terakado, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
86Concerto in A Major for Oboe d'Amore and Strings, BWV 1055: I. AllegroEmanuel Abbühl, Strings of Zürich and Howard Griffiths
87Concerto in A Major for Oboe d'Amore and Strings, BWV 1055: II. LarghettoEmanuel Abbühl, Strings of Zürich and Howard Griffiths & Johann Sebastian Bach
88Concerto in A Major for Oboe d'Amore and Strings, BWV 1055: III. Allegro ma non troppoEmanuel Abbühl, Strings of Zürich and Howard Griffiths
89Concerto in G Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1056R: I. AllegroEmmy Verhey, Camerata Antonio Lucio and Alun Francis
90Concerto in G Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1056R: II. Arioso: LargoVarious Artists & Johann Sebastian Bach
91Concerto in G Minor for Violin and Strings, BWV 1056R: III. Allegro assaiEmmy Verhey, Camerata Antonio Lucio and Alun Francis
92Suite No. 3 in C Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1009: V. Bourée 1 & 2Torleif Thedéen & Johann Sebastian Bach
93Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): Kyrie: Kyrie eleisonCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
94Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo (attacca)Carolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
95Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): Gloria: Et in terra paxCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
96Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): Credo: Et resurrexitCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
97Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): SanctusCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
98Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): BenedictusCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
99Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (Highlights): Agnus DeiCarolyn Sampson, Rachel Nicholls, Robin Blaze, Peter Kooij, Gerd Turk, Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki
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Bach - 100 Supreme Classical Masterpieces: Rise of the Masters
Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki & Johann Sebastian Bach Lyrics
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