Tag: Baroque

  • A Brief Biography of Johann Sebastian Bach

    Since his death more than 250 years ago, Johann Sebastian Bach has remained the touchstone for virtually all composers of Western classical music. Musicians of all eras have praised his music for its beauty, complexity, and inventiveness. Born into a musical family and orphaned at a young age, Bach grew to become an almost legendary…

  • BACH: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80

    This sacred cantata by Bach is a combative cantata written for Reformation Day (October 31st) as a battle song of the Reformation. Military references are found not just in the words, but in the music as well, built up by Bach over the years. I love Bach’s masterful use of word painting in this cantata.…

  • Bach and Theology: Was Bach and his music anti-Semitic or anti-Judaic?

    Baroque composer primus inter pares J.S. Bach was a man of the deep and profound Christian faith. He believed the chief aim of music is to glorify God. Bach would write on his musical manuscripts: SDG, Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone the Glory, and JJ, Jesu Juva – Jesus Help. The topic of…

  • J.S. Bach sacred cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich

    This is a performance of Bach’s sacred cantata “Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich.” (BWV 17).From the protestant church Teufen in Switzerland. Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation – Rudolf Lutz conductor Soloists: Soprano: Noëmi Sohn Nad Alto: Jan Börner Tenor: Sören Richter Bass: Daniel Pérez 00:00 Bach – BWV 17, concert…

  • Bach Magnifcat

    Magnificat in E-flat Major BWV 243a Composed in Leipzig, 1728-1731. First performed in Leipzig on either July 2nd or Christmas Day – December 25th, 1723.  Note: This work is not to be confused with Bach’s Magnificat in D Major (BWV 243) which is a revision of BWV 243a. This is my favorite performance of this…