Abstract
The paper relates that while the work of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is today almost universally acknowledged as among the great highlights of the Western European musical tradition, members of the general public today are often surprised to discover that for many years after Bach's death, his work was viewed as old-fashioned and excessively elaborate; Bach himself was held in high regard, but more as a music teacher and virtuoso instrumentalist than as a composer. The paper notes that at least two of his sons became well-known composers in their own right, and for many years were held in higher regard as composers than their father. The paper discusses how it was only much later that Bach began to be re-evaluated in the view of the general public, a transformation that may have been initiated as early as Beethoven, who professed open admiration for Bach as a composer. The paper asserts that Bach's devotion to his particular sect of Protestant Christianity, that of German Lutheranism, must have played an important role in Bach's music; while it could not have imparted to him the talent or energy needed to create some of the great works he wrote, it did provide him with a thematic thread and continual source of inspiration which motivated so many of his compositions.

From the Paper
"While the work of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is today almost universally acknowledged as among the great highlights of the Western European musical tradition, members of the general public today are often surprised to discover that for many years after Bach's death, his work was viewed as old-fashioned and excessively elaborate; Bach himself was held in high regard, but more as a music teacher and virtuoso instrumentalist than as a composer. At least two of his sons, Carl Philipp Emanuel (1714-1788) and Johann Christian (1735-1782) became well-known composers in their own right, and for many years were held in higher regard as..."

Tags:bach, classical, baroque

Abstract
This paper discusses the organ music of Bach centering on four of his best works in this area, the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565; the Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 "Great G minor"; the Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582; and the Concerto for Organ solo in A minor, BWV 593 (after Vivaldi). The paper shows how these works also had a major influence on later composers.

From the Paper
"Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a prolific composer who often wrote for the church. He composed masterful works for many instruments of the time, and among his notable works are those he wrote for the organ, an instrument he himself played at churches for which he was the resident composer. Many of these works challenged the musical sensibilities of the time and expanded the reach of the instrument. These works also had a major influence on later composers. Four of these works are discussed below: the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565; the Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 "Great G minor"; the Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor,..."

Tags:bach, organ, music

Abstract
This paper creates a theoretical situation where Aaron Copland, Johannes Brahms, and Johann Sebastian Bach sit down and have lunch together. It discusses a bit about their lives, how they are similar and different, and talks about one or two different compositions of each composer as well. It is an academic paper in that it uses documented sources, but it is also creative.

From the Paper
"It is a bright day. The sun, barely clearing the horizon, sits at eye level, gleaming against buildings and tables. Three men enter the cafe separately, sitting together around a wooden table. "Good morning, everyone," the youngest of the group greets. "Good morning, Aaron," Bach replied. "Hmmph," grunted Brahms. "I'm glad that we had a chance to get together and talk for a while," continued Aaron. "I know that I have a deep appreciation of all of your works, and I am sure that you have heard some of mine as well. . ."

Tags:copland, brahms, bach

Abstract
This paper looks at Bach's First Brandenburg Concerto in F major. It examines the formal elements of the opening movement and the minuet and polacca at the end of the concerto.

From the Paper
"Johann Sebastian Bach achieved eminence first as a keyboard virtuoso and later as a prolific master composer in nearly all the musical forms and genres of the high Baroque. "

Tags:music, Bach, Brandenburg Concerto

Abstract
This paper describes the Mass in B Minor by Bach as a musical achievement of the western World.

Tags:js, bach, minor

Abstract
This paper provides an overview and biographical analysis of the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the world's great composers. The paper explores his early family life and education, noting that Bach wrote literally thousands of compositions throughout his lifetime - concertos, arias, chorales, passions, sonatas, and many more. The paper adds that many of his compositions were for the organ, which was his instrument of choice, but he also wrote for harpsichord, violin, and other instruments. The paper explains that Bach worked for many churches during his lifetime, and much of his music seems to have been inspired by his passion for his Lutheran faith. The paper concludes that his work is well-known and loved even today, as it still moves and inspires its listeners.

Outline:
Bach's Life
Bach's Works
Where Bach Found His Ideas
References

From the Paper
"The Duke finally released him, and he went to work for the Prince. In 1720, he returned from a trip to the spa at Carlsbad with the Prince, and found out his wife had died. Four of their seven children were still living, and late in 1721, Bach married Anna Magdalena Wulcken, who had another 13 children with the composer. Again, Bach began to feel difficulties with the Prince, who married a woman that did not like music, and he started looking for a new position. In 1723, Bach got a job in Leipzig where he composed for several of the area's churches. This became one of his prolific musical periods, and he wrote numerous pieces while in Leipzig, many that are some of his most well-known and beloved even today. During this time, he also worked for churches and officials in Dresden, splitting his time between the duties of both cities. Tragically, toward the end of his life, by 1849 he began to go blind, and a traveling surgeon attempted to reverse his sight, but instead he went totally blind after the operation (Sherrane). He continued to write music, but he never regained his sight and his health began to fail, as well. He lived until July 28, 1850, when he died and was buried in Leipzig."

Tags:Magdalena, Wulcken, Eisenach

Abstract
This paper briefly discusses how one of the most famous German Baroque composers and musicians was Johann Sebastian Bach. It looks at how Bach came from a long legacy of musically inclined individuals, a family tradition which was epitomized by his life and career and how, through his heritage, education, and experience with the best musical programs in Germany, Bach quickly rose to the top of German society. He made friends with royalty and brought great discipline to even the most fractured musical schools in Germany. It also examines how the incredible ambiance of his original performances has continued through the generations into modern day performances, which give credence to the brilliance within every Bach composition.

From the Paper
"Born in 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach entered into an already musically inclined family. His father, Johann Ambrosius, was under the employment of the Duke of Eisnach as a court trumpeter, (Smith, 1996). Johann Ambrosius also served as the director of musicians within their native town. Also musically inclined within the Bach family were his older brothers and uncles, who brought variety and expertise to the future composer and musician. In fact, it was his father who introduced him to the violin and harpsichord, and his older brother who directed him towards mastering the organ. Johann Sebastian Bach was forced to live with his oldest brother when both his parents died within a year's time, when he was still a child of nine years old. "

Tags:music, air, g-string

Abstract
Johann Sebastian Bach stands as the epitome of Western music. This paper explains that as a musician, Bach encompassed all of the musical styles that preceded him, such as those found in the medieval and Renaissance periods, and then rose to the highest peak of artistic and technical development beyond which it was, in many cases, impossible to go any further. The writer points out, however, that Bach also looked forward to the future of Western art and music and set the standards for the centuries to come. More conspicuously than any other composer of his day, Bach suggested and invented the technical devices and methods which, with the coming of other composers like Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, were soon to open up new horizons for music.

From the Paper
"His special quality had much to do with how he used the resources of art in order to apply them to new purposes. His artistic powers and insight were so much higher than those who came before him that Western music, almost at once, evolved from the simplicities of the Medieval period and into full maturity. Bach wrote a library of music that is incomparable in regard to its extensiveness and artistic merit. It is indeed curious that this uniquely productive genius who wrote so much that was touched with immortality should have been neglected for almost a century after his death in 1750."

Tags:art, music, composer

Abstract
The paper relates that Copland based his music on a deep appreciation of the music of Brahms and Bach. The author points out that both Copland and Bach were enthralled by folk music as evidenced in Brahms' 'Hungarian Dances' and Copland's 'Billy the Kid'. The paper relates that, upon being asked by Brahms who influenced him, Bach remembers the deference that he held for the great organist Buxtehude; whereas, Beethoven and Robert Schumann strongly influenced Brahms. The author reveals that Brahms was a homosexual, Copland was a communist and Bach rebelled against the Calvinist Prince Leopold, his sponsor, by composing also such secular music as the 'Brandenburg Concertos'. The paper concludes that the music of all three men were revolutionary in their own way.

From the Paper
"Think of your Hungarian Dances. You were enthralled by the gypsy music that you heard, and it was evident in much of what you wrote. I also fell in love with folk music. I wrote 'Billy the Kid', which is indubitably folk, as well as 'Rodeo,' both of which are beloved. I'm not sure if you watch much television, but the hoedown from Rodeo is used in the 'Beef, it's What's for Dinner' commercial." "Speaking of beef, what is for lunch?" Johann interjected. "Do they have any mince pie?" "I'm not sure," Aaron replied, "but you might like a hamburger."
"As in Hamburg?" both Brahms and Bach asked.""

Tags:folk, piano, revolutionary, atonal, requiem

Abstract
The paper asserts that the "Mass in B Minor" not only sums up Bach's own eclectic style, but also sums up the styles of previous periods as well. This paper first addresses some of the historical aspects surrounding the Mass. It then discusses controversial theories regarding Bach's purpose in writing such a work and finally acknowledges a small variety of those styles, i.e., stile antico, galant, that Bach assimilated into this monumental work.

From the Paper
"Throughout the Mass in B minor there are three clearly distinct styles of Baroque vocal writing that can be heard influencing this quite eclectic work. The first is the traditional stile antico or "church style," the somewhat plain and simple manner inherited from the Renaissance (prima practica). In this musical style the notation employs long note values, dissonance and melodic ornamentation are used cautiously, and the instruments are used primarily to double the choral parts. In contrast, the vibrant, sometimes harsh Baroque style displays an often lively rhythm, brilliant orchestration, expressive dissonance, and melodic lines that are highly ornamented. The third and final type is that of the arias and duets, derived predominately from the virtuosic solo writing of the opera and cantata."

Tags:baroque, latin, racoco, sanctus