High School Asignment 2

Due: January 16

1) Write a one page biography of Johann Sebastian Bach.

2)Be sure to give important dates from his life. Listen to the following pieces of his in preparation for a quiz.


Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach


Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach


Jesu Meine Freude by Johann Sebastian Bach
(an excellent example of Bach's choral writing. This is a hymn for a Lutheran Service)


Wachet Auf (Sleepers Awake!) Johann Sebastian Bach
Note: this recording is filmed in a Lutheran Church in Freiburg (Germany), a church that looks much like a church Bach would have played at. Also notice the absolute physical beauty, as well as the beauty of sound of the organ. The organ was Bach's favorite instrument and the one in which he shines as a composer. This piece is one of the hundreds of pieces he wrote based on various Lutheran hymns. The hymn in this example is an Advent hymn. The melody of the hymn is found in the left hand of the organist. Also, the figured bass (also known as the basso continuo because it plays continuously) can be seen in the pedalwork.



Fugue in G minor (the Little Fugue) by Johann Sebastian Bach
This is an excellent example of a Bach fugue. The piece begins with the theme played with one hand, which will be developed throughout the rest of the piece. Then, the second hand picks up the same theme, just starting on a different pitch.
At second 42, the melody comes in the third voice (also played with the hands). Finally the the melody comes in for the fourth time with the feet playing it in the pedals. Listen for that melody throughout the entire piece-it pops up again and again.