Moreover, the central piece in this collection Fughetta super Wir glauben all an einen Gott is also written in French overture style. Bach also combined French and Italian influences, for example: in the Prelude in E flat major from the Clavierübung III the beginning ritornello (Italian tradition) has dotted rhythms in the French overture style. This influence is especially evident in his French overture (from the Clavierübung II). Bach also was influenced by French music. He actively used the cycle of fifths, usually cycle of fifths helped for Bach to expand the ritornello itself (through the sequences). Mathew Passion.īach not only borrowed the ritornello ideas from the Italian composers, but also the harmonic progressions. This influence can be found in the second and fifth movements of the Cantata 80, in the Praeludium in E flat major as well as in many chorales (from the Clavierübung III), and also in numerous examples of the St. The Italian (Vivaldi, Corelli/Italian concerto) influences are well exhibit in Bach’s use of the ritornello. Moreover, Bach was able to combine different influences in the same piece. As a result of this, his music received a new approach and the highest possible sophistication. However, Bach not just simply took ideas by other composers. Bach was not afraid of studying pieces by other composers and borrowing their ideas. The other aspect of Bach’s universality is that his music synthesized different cultural influences. The galant style is also well represented in the seventh movement of the Cantata 80 as well as in some chorales from the Clavierübung III. Here Bach uses the dynamic contrasts, sigh motives, the texture is homophonic, general mood of this movement is light and elegant. He was able to balance between the horizontal and vertical thinking (for example the six-voice Ricercare from the Musical Offering).īach’s abilities to write in a new style are revealed in such compositions as the third movement of the Trio sonata (from the Musical Offering). Bach’s harmonic language is also well balanced. Bach’s architectural plan involves the general structure of every piece (for ex: large cycle such a Clavierübung III, or relatively short piece such as fugue form the Well-tempered clavier II in D major). In general, all of the pieces exhibit Bach’s architectural thinking and sense of symmetry and proportions. In pieces like these, Bach reveals himself as a scientist. He uses such contrapuntal devices as vorimitations, imitations, strettos, inversions, augmentations and diminutions. All these chorales demonstrate Bach’s contrapuntal abilities. In these chorales Bach uses alla breve meter, pulse is in half notes. For example, Bach’s first three chorales from the Clavierübung III ( Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie), the large chorale “ Aus tiefer Not,” the first fugue in E flat major (from the same collection) and the six-voice Ricecare (from the Musical Offering) exhibit influence of style antico. For this reason, music became lighter, the polyphonic texture was taken over by homophony, and horizontal thinking by vertical.īach, however, was able to compose in both styles. Music was assigned a new purpose – to entertain people. Music was no longer reflecting the cosmic harmony. In the Bach’s life time, the attitudes had dramatically changed. Such style was well exhibited in music written by Palestrina. Compositions were based on the strict proportions and numerical symbols. Therefore, music in the Renaissance had a scientific approach. Greek as well as Renaissance composer and philosophers believed that music reflects the cosmic harmony. This ancient university system came from Ancient Greece. Bach received his schooling that was still based on the trivium and quadrivium. Bach was also a transitional figure between the style antico and style moderno. He also composed both sacred and secular music (for ex: Cantata 80 and Musical Offering). However, some of his composition such as St Matthew Passion exhibits such a dramatic elements and compositional mastery that none of the opera could compete. He composed music in almost all possible genres (except opera). Bach’s music synthesized different influences. His universality was reflected in many ways. I will use specific examples from his various works.īach was the universal composer. In this essay, I will discuss reasons for the acknowledged greatness of Bach’s music. The Baroque period reached its zenith in the Bach’s music. He was a supreme composer, organist and teacher. Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the greatest musicians throughout the music history.
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