The WTF Bach Podcast

Johann Adolph Scheibe went down in history for attacking Bach’s “turgid and confused” style. “…from the natural to the artificial, and from the lofty to the obscure ... one wonders at the painful labor of it all, that nevertheless comes to nothing, since it is at variance with reason.”Let’s examine the controversy from the beginning. How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachOR… Become A Paid SubscriberThe first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere. Stream while sleeping to achieve maximum effect.Volume One:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ycy2fab7Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhfuws4tAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrxj7pwsVolume Two:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/msjyhamhApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mtykbxnzAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m7b9v6wVolume Three:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4xneak6rApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr44kwmfAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

On March 1, 1749, Bach penned the following into a Stammbuch:Today’s episode covers this canon in depth. What does it mean? How does it sound?Here is a link to the article by scholar, Anatoly Milka.The book, Bach and the meaning of Counterpoint, by David Yearsley is available here.How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comThe first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere. Stream while sleeping to make me a millionaire.Volume One:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ycy2fab7Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhfuws4tAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrxj7pwsVolume Two:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/msjyhamhApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mtykbxnzAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m7b9v6wVolume Three:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4xneak6rApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr44kwmfAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsbConcepts Covered:The Mi Fa et Fa Mi canon, BWV 1078, is one of Bach’s puzzle canons, demonstrating his unparalleled command of counterpoint theory and inventive compositional techniques. Written as a 7-voice canon, this work, inscribed in a Stammbuch on March 1, 1749, reflects his late-period fascination with musical puzzles and structured complexity. Scholars such as Anatoly Milka and David Yearsley have explored its deeper significance, shedding light on Bach’s innovative canons and their place in Bach music scholarship. As we analyze Bach’s use of counterpoint, we uncover the intricate interplay of voices that define his style. This episode delves into Bach music history, his compositional techniques, and the broader implications of Bach’s musical meaning in this enigmatic work. Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

Another performer’s commentary episode for you. If you’ve missed out on the second of my three simultaneous releases, you’ll have a chance to listen to it here, with my live commentary. You can stream and individually purchase any track including the performer’s commentary from the second volume here. —More streaming links (including youtube playlists) at the bottom:How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comThe first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere. Stream while sleeping to achieve maximum effect.Volume One:Youtube playlist!Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ycy2fab7Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhfuws4tAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrxj7pwsVolume Two:Youtube playlist!Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/msjyhamhApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mtykbxnzAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m7b9v6wVolume Three:Youtube playlist!Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4xneak6rApple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr44kwmfAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into the intriguing world of Bach's puzzle canons! Discover how small musical cells transform into rich harmonies with multiple voices. Unpack the mysterious Houdemann canon and its symmetrical inversions. Explore the charm of a two-voice piece dedicated to Bach's godchildren and the creative process of composing similar canons. This episode is packed with insights into Bach's innovative techniques and clever cataloging methods, making it a delight for music enthusiasts!

If you miss those DVDs with the optional director’s commentary, you’re going to enjoy this episode.Each album in my ‘J.S. Bach Complete Solo Keyboard Works’ will be accompanied by this type of work, my commentating as the music plays. You can stream (and individually purchase) any track including the performer’s commentary from the first album here:How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comThe first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere. Stream while sleeping to achieve maximum effect.Volume One: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ycy2fab7 Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhfuws4t Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrxj7pws Volume Two: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/msjyhamh Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mtykbxnz Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m7b9v6w Volume Three:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4xneak6r Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr44kwmf Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

Explore the fascinating world of Bach's 14 hidden canons discovered in the 1970s. Delve into the secrets of their intricate structures, from retrograde effects to innovative chromatic lines. Discover the significance of the fundamental eight bass notes grounding these masterpieces. Unravel the mystery of Bach’s triplex canon, which he famously used as a 'business card' and its deeper symbolic implications. Conclude with insights into Bach’s wit, as he signed off his final canon with a playful 'etc.'—suggesting endless creative potential!

ALBUMS ON PRESALE TODAY! BUY THE ALBUMS HERE!Volume One: Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/nhfuws4t Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrxj7pws Volume Two: Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mtykbxnz Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m7b9v6w Volume Three: Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr44kwmf Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb As for the music covered today, we will hear Doubles layered over their preceding dance movements. A Double is an elaboration on the preceding movement, where the melody is quickened— often twice as quickly. The harmonic structure of the Double and its preceding movement is the same, allowing for one to play both movements at the same time with very interesting results. Pieces studied:Sarabande and Double from Sixth English Suite, BWV 811Gigue and Double from the c minor lute suite, BWV 997Partita in b minor for solo violin, BWV 1002People/places mentioned:Burp Castle at 41 East 7th Street in the East Village of Manhattan (between 2nd Ave & Cooper Square).Paul Spring (guitarist)How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comConcepts Covered:In today’s episode, we explore the concept of Doubles in Baroque music. Doubles are essentially melodic embellishments that accelerate the original melody while maintaining the harmonic structure of the original dance movement. This creates an interesting contrast when heard alongside its corresponding dance. We’ll dive into specific examples from Bach’s repertoire, including the Sarabande and Double from the Sixth English Suite, BWV 811, the Gigue and Double from the c minor lute suite, BWV 997, and the Partita in b minor for solo violin, BWV 1002. Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks for all your support during The Bach Store! If you’re in NYC on Friday, come to Le Poisson Rouge at 158 Bleecker Street at 7pm.Be sure to mark your calendars: April 24th, 2024, my new albums will be on PRE-sale. It marks the beginning of my most ambitious project to date: a very thorough, if possible, ‘complete’ set of the keyboard works of Bach. I will certainly send another reminder as the date approaches.And now for a brief journey into Bach around this date in 1724: today’s episode covers the cantata for the second Sunday after Easter, BWV 104, Du Hirte Israel, höre. Unlike the other cantatas I have recently discussed, this cantata is not based on a chorale melody. And don’t miss out on your WTF Bach merchandise! Here are seven magnets for your fridge. Send me a note to arrange a sale (T-Shirts, Pins, Bags, 3D Printed Heads, Lighters, also available).How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

You read correctly: The Bach Store is back. In Erfurt, Thuringia, the state from where the Bachs hail. I will play for five hours, March 14-28, 12.00-18.00 GMT +1 (7AM-1PM EST.) You can (hopefully) stream the whole run on my youtube. Subscribe HERE.Or go to: www.youtube.com/@wtfbachHere is the latest video I mentioned in the podcast.Bach Store Merchandise is available on request. Send an email to bach (at) wtfbach (dot com)—Meanwhile, the music in today’s episode comes from the “Neumeister Collection,” a collection of over 80 chorale preludes from multiple composers, published for the first time in 1985. More than 30 of the pieces come from J.S. Bach ca. 1700, when the composer was only 15 year old. Hence one of the newest Bach discoveries showed us the youngest portraits of the composer. I played three of them, one on a ‘real’ organ (Saint Anne’s, London) and two on Organteq (by Modartt.) We survive solely on donations. Thank you for your help!We encourage our listeners to become a paid subscriberat wtfbach.substack.comFree subscriptions are also great for our numbers.You can also make a one-time donation here:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachSupporting this show ensures its longevity. Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

This week I’ll be performing some flute chamber music in Santa Barbara, California. I realize I’ve never specifically mentioned Bach’s wonderful flute repertoire on this podcast. We tackle here what I find is the most complex composition in the repertoire: the first movement of the b minor sonata, BWV 1030.Pieces heard:BWV 1030.1 Source P. 1008, early version, harpsichord part.BWV 1030.2 The later version, arranged as a flute sonata.Articles:Contentious writing on flute vs. recorderYour Support Is What Keeps Us Alive!https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachCheck out WTF Bach’s Youtube!New videos appearing soon.Join the mailing list for very occasional blasts: wtfbach.substack.comWrite us:bach (at) wtfbach (dot) comConcepts Covered:Bach’s flute sonatas stand as essential works in the Baroque flute repertoire, with the B minor sonata, BWV 1030, being one of the most important. This masterpiece of Bach’s chamber music showcases intricate counterpoint and structure, making it a highlight of flute repertoire. Through an exploration of Bach’s early drafts, such as BWV 1030.1, we uncover Bach’s approach to flute sonata composition. The discussion of flute vs. recorder further enriches our understanding of Baroque music history and performance practice. Whether analyzing Bach’s compositions or appreciating the beauty of music for flute, this sonata remains a testament to Bach’s genius. Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe