Bach Flashcards
When and where was Bach born?
1685 in Eisenach, Germany
What happened to Bach’s parents and what did he do after the event?
Bach’s parents died when Bach was just 10 years old and he continued musical studies with his elder brother
What did Bach do in his Early years?
He studied Latin, Greek, Theology, Music, Instrument building and Instrument repair, becoming a proficient organist. Soon, he became a church organist and met the famous composer Dietrich Buxtehude in Lubeck. He became greatly inspired by him, having to walk 200 miles to see him
What did Bach do in his middle years?
(After Buxtehude)
He married and had 7 children. He also became the church organist at another church, an organ that is still standing today. Then, his growing reputation granted him a job as a court organist for the Duke of Weimar. He then got a job as a Kapellmeister (Music director) for someone else. Here, because the prince was Calvinist, he had no formal duties and had more time to focus on his own compositions. It was during this time and his time in Weimar that he would write the Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of 24 Prelude and Fugue pairs. 10 years later, he would even write a book 2!
What were some of Bach’s international works?
Bach wrote many Allemandes, Courantes, Sarabandes, and Gigues to reflect international music qualities in his many suites
What were the Brandenburg Concertos?
They were a collection of works dedicated to Christian Ludwig, margrave of Brandenburg
What was the Notebook for Anna Magdelana?
It was a series of keyboard works for Bach’s second wife for her to better supervise the musical studies of the Bach children
What was the Art of Fugue?
It was a work that Bach was unable to finish during his lifetime and was an example of Bach’s proficiency at counterpoint
Where and when did Bach Die?
Bach died in Leipzig, Germany of a stroke in 1750
What was a major source of Bach’s inspiration?
His personal faith (he was a devout Lutheran)
What was Bachs musical style?
He composed orchestral, chamber, keyboard, organ and vocal music, was a virtuoso organist, used a lot of counterpoint, and absorbed many international styles
What is the structure of Prelude and Fugue in B flat major?
It is an improvisatory prelude with a polyphonic imitative fugue
What contributions did Bach make to music?
Bach practically perfected counterpoint and represented a high point in 100 years of Baroque style practice
