Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Would you like to explore Johann Sebastian Bach’s instrumental music but don’t have a lot of time to spend doing it? Bach is one of the most celebrated composers in classical music. He’s best known for writing delightfully complex polyphonic music. Keep reading to explore Bach’s epic orchestral music in less than four minutes.
How to use the videos:
- Listen to 10 seconds of each piece.
- Usually this will be enough for you to tell if you want to listen to more.
- That way you can preview all the pieces in under a minute.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Exploring Johann Sebastian Bach's Music: A Musical Prodigy
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) showed a rage to learn music at a young age:
- His older brother, who Johann lived with, locked some special music in a cabinet so that Johann couldn’t get at it.
- Nevertheless, late at night Johann would slip out of bed and creep down to where the music was kept so that he could copy it through the lattice of the cabinet.
- Because of the dim light, this music study damaged his eyesight.
During his lifetime, Bach was known more as a virtuoso keyboard player than as a composer:
- The seminal harpsichord collection The Well Tempered Clavier is a groundbreaking work which showcases Bach’s well-tempered tuning.
- In addition, Bach’s organ compositions are a masterclass in Baroque counterpoint.
- For this reason, we’ll also touch on his keyboard works.
Exploring Johann Sebastian Bach's Music: Can I Have a Brief Synopsis of His Instrumental Music?
Here is Bach’s instrumental music organized by genre:
Concertos
His concertos are one of the Baroque precursors to the classical symphony orchestra. The Brandenburg Concertos are his best-known works in this style. They display his mastery of the Baroque orchestra.
Popular Works Today:
- Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor
- Brandenburg Concertos
- Concerto in D Minor
Video: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Mvt. 1
Suites
Bach wrote a number of orchestral suits using mixed instrumentation. The suits consist of a collection of dance pieces in styles that were popular in his day. His suits are admired for their soulful ambience.
Popular Works Today:
- Orchestral Suite No. 2
- Orchestral Suite No. 3
- Cello Suite No. 3
Video: Orchestral Suite No. 3 (Air on G String)
Organ
During his lifetime, Bach built his reputation from his organ virtuosity. The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor gives an example of why this was so.
Popular Works Today:
- Organ Fugue in G Minor
- Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
- Organ Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor
Video: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Harpsichord
One of his best known works for harpsichord is The Well-Tempered Clavier. A well temperament’s tuning (like equal temperament) allows for the use of all 24 keys, major and minor. Each piece of The Well-Tempered Clavier showcases one of the 24 keys.
(By contrast, meantone temperament, the other popular keyboard tuning in use at the time, only allowed composers to use a limited number of keys. However, those keys sounded much more in tune.)
Popular Works Today:
- Harpsichord Concerto No.1 in D Minor
- Fugue in D Minor for Harpsichord
- The Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC)
Video: WTC Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C Minor (Piano Version)
Sonatas
The solo violin sonatas are celebrated for their flashy brilliance.
Popular Works Today:
- Violin Sonata No. 1
- Violin Sonata No. 2
- Violin Sonata No. 3
Video: Sonata for Solo Violin No. 1 in G Minor, Mvt. 4
Final Thoughts on “Explore Bach’s Epic Orchestral Music in Less Than Four Minutes”
Takeaway points:
- Johann Sebastian Bach was a musical prodigy who went on to have a major impact on music history.
- The Well-Tempered Clavier is a seminal work designed to showcase Bach’s well-tempered tuning.
- His concertos are one of the Baroque precursors to the classical symphony.
Have fun listening!
Related Posts
- Explore Handel’s Captivating Music in Less Than Four Minutes
- Explore Bach’s Hypnotic Choral Music in Less Than Four Minutes
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page
Glossary
Tips for Teaching an Autistic Child the Guitar
Are you a teacher of an autistic guitar student? Each student has a unique learning style. Autistic students are no different, which means you need to be flexible when teaching kids on the autistic spectrum. Read more to get tips for teaching an autistic child the guitar. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
An Easy How to Guide to Understanding Triads
“Can somebody please help me understand these stupid triads?” Triads are one of the foundations of Western music theory (along with melody, rhythm, counterpoint, and orchestration). Understanding them will unlock your ability to both appreciate and write music. Keep reading “An Easy How to Guide to Understanding Triads” to learn how they work. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Read More
What’s the Deal with These i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII Chords and Stuff? (Part 4)
Do your eyes cross when you try to figure out Roman Numeral analysis? Roman numerals are broadly used to analyze chords in songs. However, you’ll use some Roman numerals to specifically describe harmonies in minor keys. Read more to find out the answer to, “What's the deal with these i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII chords and stuff?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
I’m Confused About What Precisely D.S. al Coda Means
“I’m confused about what precisely D.S. al Coda means.” This marking is part of a class of music notation called “signs of repetition.” Some of the more advanced signs of repetition can be confusing, including this one. Keep reading to find out how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More