Download Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Germany Bach was a Baroque

Johann Sebastian Bach
(1685-1750)
Germany
Bach was a Baroque Composer
Baroque music came before classical music.
Baroque composers were the first to arrange music into scales, chords, and keys….so, they invented the
language of modern music.
Almost all musicians after Bach learned by studying his music.
Mozart learned by studying Bach’s music.
Beethoven learned by studying Bach’s music.
A funky sounding German word:
Fortspinning!
Fortspinning! is a German word that describes Baroque music. It means “spun out music,” referring to
an old fashioned spinning wheel which never slows or stops.
Bach wrote music for the harpsichord, the organ, singers, and larger groups.
J.S. Bach or “Papa Bach”
Since Bach had 20 children, many of whom became musicians, it is important to be clear as to which
Bach we are discussing.
Bach listening test:
1. Cello Suite
clues: cello only; fortspinning quality
(bonus question: In this video clip, the performer is YoYo Ma.)
2. Brandenburg Concerto
clues: begins with very, very high pitched trumpet playing
fortspinning!
3. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
clue: organ only; “haunted house music?”