Episode 50: Bach’s “Art of Fugue,” BWV ...

We’ll look at the ricercars, trio sonata and canons of the “Musical Offering.” 

We’ll look at Bach’s “Organ Mass” (Clavier-Ubung or “Keyboard Practice” III) including the Trinity Prelude and Fugue and a sampling of the chorale preludes contained in the collection. 

We’ll focus on BWV 35, “Spirit and Soul Become Confused,” and BWV 170, “Contented Peace.” 

<p>The Bach Chaconne is one of the great masterpieces of Western Classical Music, and today we're going to be diving straight into this monumental work. We'll talk about the legends behind its composition, the work itself, different interpretations of the piece, and its many many ... Show More

Bach wrote his Goldberg Variations for harpsichord in the 1740s, but today it's performed by pianists all over the world. People describe the place these pieces have in their lives. This includes: * A neuroscientist from New York * Pianist Angela Hewitt * A father driving his fam ... Show More

This is the second of two menuets found in Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat major (Opus 1). I've always enjoyed this brief section of the work and it includes some tricky finger work despite the deceitfully simple harmonies. Bach certainly had a way of emphasizing the subtle harmon ... Show More

One of Bach's most well-known works is this excerpt from his Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. It is a delightful melody that is simple to learn and easy to appreciate. I hope you enjoy my recording of Bach's famous Minuet in G (sometimes spelled as Menuet in G - both are correct ... Show More

This week we're diving into one of the great movements ever written in Western Music with the slow movement of Beethoven's Op. 132 quartet. This is a movement that explores Beethoven's contradictory religious beliefs, his core optimism despite all that happened to him during his ... Show More

In today's episode, Stephen and Joanna pour over some of the most passionate music ever performed and conceived - the violin concerto. They explore the mechanics of violin playing, discuss their favourite virtuoso fiddlers and also explore major works by Elgar, Brahms, Tchaikovsk ... Show More

This week, we’re wrapping up our time in the Baroque Era by looking at its greatest composer, Johann Sebastian Bach! If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share with your friends! Check us out in Patreon to support our channel: https://www.patreon.com/ ... Show More

This prelude is one of my favorites to play when I need to slow down the pace of life. It is a pastorale as indicated by the 3rds in the melody line and the 12/8 time signature. The slow-moving, yet joyful Cantus Firmus is so beautifully augmented by the counterpoint voice. It is ... Show More