Many thanks for this video. I've become fascinated with this story and often imagine what it would've been like to have been there. Unfortunately for me, I don't speak German (I may be the only one here who doesn't!), so I got maybe 3 words. But as a depiction of what might have been, it was perfect. Love where he hugs CPE at the tail end.
We have arrived! I was first introduced to this piece via an orchestrated version (arranged Webern) played in a concert hall (yes, the original version works much better). Intrigued, I read my program notes, and after having read the story and having heard the music, I became astonished at Bach's level of genius (I was a couple of years into listening to classical music at the time). I believe he improvised the 3-part fugue and transported it back with him in his head all the way to Leipzig, publishing it later.
I've read many versions of this story and, not being a Bach scholar, remain unsure how much of each is true. I read in one that he initially declined the king's request for a six-part fugue on the royal theme, saying something to the effect that it wasn't "worthy" of a such a fugue. He then took one of his own themes (don't remember which) and improvised a six-part fugue on that. Can you imagine the looks on everyone's faces? Of course, in the published Musical Offering, we find the 6-part based on the royal theme, so this account becomes spurious. Then again, we had a clear distinction in musical styles at this juncture. Bach was a stalwart follower of the "old" school. Frederick, an amateur composer and flautist, favored the "new" school and the "galant" for which JCB became famous. It's possible this was a sly protest to the difference in styles. Who knows what really happened?
I personally like the theme for what it is: a building block on which Bach would build a masterpiece. Intricacy, beauty, and majesty out of simplicity. We've discussed BWV 582 earlier in this blog. Bach manages to achieve the same ends by the same means with that piece.
My personal favorite section from this piece is the trio sonata. Atypical in structure (4 movements, slow-fast-slow-fast), irresistible in sound, wonderful overall. I often listen to this piece just for it. He interweaves different but clear treatments of the theme in fabulous ways all throughout. Movement 2 is my favorite.
It is a hard choice, but if I had to pick only one Bach piece, this would be it. (If I could cheat and pick a set, it would probably be the Brandenburgs).
Wow - this is great, Brittany. Thanks for sharing all of this. What's great about the breadth and depth of JSB's catalog is that fans have so many different favorites. This piece wouldn't be in my top twenty (?), but I'm glad it's your north star.
I have also read a few different versions of the origin story. We'll never be too sure of the exact details, but it's a good enough one to keep telling.
Agreed, Evan, it is! Also forgot to thank you for posting the 6-part played on fortepiano. It's a different, clean, authentic sound. I love Netherlands Bach Society's channel.
I would love to see a list of your Top 20 picks at the end of the year, after we've been through the whole catalogue.
Dude dude dude dude dude, i gotta tell you about one thing man. That recording aint right dude aint fair. The most interesting recording is one of the first made of Bach. And you can find it in youtube. Close yo eyes, close yo doors, the romantics are here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObS53DQchq8
I've always enjoyed this piece very much, in line with Charles Rosen's opinion.
Here's a fun little video imagining the scene when Frederick II meets Bach and presents him with the theme to improvise on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5daFtxOcMc
Many thanks for this video. I've become fascinated with this story and often imagine what it would've been like to have been there. Unfortunately for me, I don't speak German (I may be the only one here who doesn't!), so I got maybe 3 words. But as a depiction of what might have been, it was perfect. Love where he hugs CPE at the tail end.
That clip was a bit (oddly) doctored from the movie, this is a more faithful version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzmyWY-PTQ8
We have arrived! I was first introduced to this piece via an orchestrated version (arranged Webern) played in a concert hall (yes, the original version works much better). Intrigued, I read my program notes, and after having read the story and having heard the music, I became astonished at Bach's level of genius (I was a couple of years into listening to classical music at the time). I believe he improvised the 3-part fugue and transported it back with him in his head all the way to Leipzig, publishing it later.
I've read many versions of this story and, not being a Bach scholar, remain unsure how much of each is true. I read in one that he initially declined the king's request for a six-part fugue on the royal theme, saying something to the effect that it wasn't "worthy" of a such a fugue. He then took one of his own themes (don't remember which) and improvised a six-part fugue on that. Can you imagine the looks on everyone's faces? Of course, in the published Musical Offering, we find the 6-part based on the royal theme, so this account becomes spurious. Then again, we had a clear distinction in musical styles at this juncture. Bach was a stalwart follower of the "old" school. Frederick, an amateur composer and flautist, favored the "new" school and the "galant" for which JCB became famous. It's possible this was a sly protest to the difference in styles. Who knows what really happened?
I personally like the theme for what it is: a building block on which Bach would build a masterpiece. Intricacy, beauty, and majesty out of simplicity. We've discussed BWV 582 earlier in this blog. Bach manages to achieve the same ends by the same means with that piece.
My personal favorite section from this piece is the trio sonata. Atypical in structure (4 movements, slow-fast-slow-fast), irresistible in sound, wonderful overall. I often listen to this piece just for it. He interweaves different but clear treatments of the theme in fabulous ways all throughout. Movement 2 is my favorite.
It is a hard choice, but if I had to pick only one Bach piece, this would be it. (If I could cheat and pick a set, it would probably be the Brandenburgs).
Signed with gratitude,
Brittany Blog-Hog (sorry for the long post)
Wow - this is great, Brittany. Thanks for sharing all of this. What's great about the breadth and depth of JSB's catalog is that fans have so many different favorites. This piece wouldn't be in my top twenty (?), but I'm glad it's your north star.
I have also read a few different versions of the origin story. We'll never be too sure of the exact details, but it's a good enough one to keep telling.
Agreed, Evan, it is! Also forgot to thank you for posting the 6-part played on fortepiano. It's a different, clean, authentic sound. I love Netherlands Bach Society's channel.
I would love to see a list of your Top 20 picks at the end of the year, after we've been through the whole catalogue.
Yeah, I've thought about how this is going to wrap up and I think a top 20 will be a part of it.
Dude dude dude dude dude, i gotta tell you about one thing man. That recording aint right dude aint fair. The most interesting recording is one of the first made of Bach. And you can find it in youtube. Close yo eyes, close yo doors, the romantics are here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObS53DQchq8
I will check it out! I dig Karl Richters Romantic takes so I’ll be fine. Will report back
go back to the first ones! if anything, you will find something interesting that is not present in the later (homogenous) recordings.