Classical Breakdown The Life of Bach
Mar 9, 2021
James Jacobs, a contributor to Classical WETA, dives into the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, once overlooked, now heralded as a musical giant. He explores how a teenage admirer helped revive Bach's influence and shares captivating tales, including Bach's quirky stint in jail. Jacobs discusses Bach's evolution, the emotional depth of his compositions, and how his music transformed through various roles. He even humorously speculates on how aliens might perceive Bach's genius through the Voyager record. A delightful mix of history and music awaits!
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Bach's Bassoonist Fight
- Bach fought a bassoonist in a town square over a difficult bassoon part he wrote.
- It illustrates the tension and passion in Bach's early career as a musician.
Bach's Counterpoint Genius
- Counterpoint is the art of making multiple independent melodies sound harmoniously together.
- Bach mastered complex layers of counterpoint with 3, 4, or even 6 simultaneous lines.
Music as a Living Conversation
- Bach's music reflects a continuous, intricate conversation between multiple musical voices.
- His contrapuntal style creates a vibrant, ever-flowing musical tapestry symbolizing deep dialogue.