WTF Bach

In this episode, we’ll explore Bach’s constant involvement with weddings. Weddings and funerals occupied a weekly place in Bach’s life in Leipzig and we’ll shed light on the various ways in which he was involved musically. [I forgot to credit the last recording in this episode to Rudolph Lutz and the J.S. Bach foundation.]Here are (some of) the beautiful parts which make up the chorales, BWVs 250-252. They are beautiful examples of Bach’s handwriting ca. 1730. Note that all three chorales are on the same page.Soprano:Alto:Tenor:Bass:And the second horn part I fondly discuss in this episode:All the parts are viewable at: https://www.bach-digital.de/receive/BachDigitalSource_source_00002475How 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

A brief(er) episode for you today: Bach’s first published opus was his six partitas for keyboard. In some of the sources within Bach’s circle, copies retained as a ‘Handexemplar’ include revisions by a scribe we can almost say with certainty is Bach himself. The most consequential of these revisions appears at the end of the third partita, where the second half of the Gigue is re-written with what one might call ‘updated’ or ‘refined’ counterpoint. Here we see the main source (G 25) in question:Hard to see here, but if we zoom in, we see that this:Is a correction of the original printings, which read:This link here should allow you to download the original print of all six partitas. N.B. As that link is the download of the original print, it will not contain any of the corrections mentioned in this episode. For a full list of the scholarship on these changes, see: Wolff, C. (1999). Text-critical comments on the original print of the Partitas. In Bach: Essays on his life and music (pp. 214-222). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.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:The 3rd Keyboard Partita, BWV 827, stands as a defining work in Bach’s Partitas for keyboard, marking his first published opus and showcasing his mastery of counterpoint. This episode examines the Handexemplar revisions, where Bach’s scribe corrections reveal musical updates that refined the Partita Gigue’s counterpoint. These manuscript corrections provide insight into Bach’s compositional process, highlighting his meticulous approach to keyboard music. As we explore Bach’s revised versions, we engage with the broader landscape of Baroque keyboard music, tracing his influence on counterpoint and the evolution of Bach music performance. Through this Bach partitas analysis, we uncover how his musical revisions continue to shape our understanding of his genius. Get full access to W.T.F. Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

The final performer’s commentary episode for you. This is live commentating (the program notes of the future) on the last of my three simultaneous releases. This album is a bunch of preludes and fugues— some maybe you know, some maybe you don’t.You can stream and individually purchase any track including the performer’s commentary from the third volume below. [More streaming links (including youtube playlists) at the bottom:]How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comTrack ListingJ.S. Bach Complete Keyboard Works Volume 3Miscellaneous Preludes and Fugues Part 11 Fugue (in d minor) BWV deest2 Fugue in a minor, BWV 9473 Fugue in A, BWV 9494 Fughetta in c minor, BWV 9615 Prelude (Fantasy) in c minor, BWV 9216-7 Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 870a8 Fugue in a minor, BWV 9599-10 Prelude and Fugue in F, BWV 90111-12 Prelude and Fugue in d minor, BWV 89913-14 Prelude and Fugue in e minor, BWV 90015 Unfinished Prelude in e minor, BWV 93816 Fugue in C, BWV 95317 Prelude in C, BWV 94318 Fugue in C, BWV 95219-20 Prelude and Fugue in a minor, BWV 89521-26 Six Preludes for Beginners BWVs 933-93827 Prelude in G, BWV 902a28 Fugue in G, BWV 90229 Prelude in G, BWV 902Thomas Rossin, EngineerArmand Hirsch, MixerThe 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

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. This commentary specifically addresses the issue of the lute in Bach, and the question of ‘lautenwerk’ or ‘lautenwerck’ in Bach’s instrumentation.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/wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comTrack Listing:J.S. Bach Complete Keyboard Works Volume 2Four Original Compositions for ‘Lute-keyboard’1 Prelude BWV 9992-5 Suite in c minor, BWV 9972 Prelude3 Fugue4 Sarabande5 Gigue and Double6-8 Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-flat, BWV 9986 Prelude7 Fugue8 Allegro9-14 Suite in e minor, BWV 9969 Prelude10 Allemande11 Courante12 Sarabande13 Bourree14 GigueAaron Ross, ProducerAaron Ross, MixerYamaha Reface PianoSpecial thanks to George Nickson.The 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 Resource:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.comTrack Listing:J.S. Bach Complete Keyboard Works Volume 1The Five Earliest Suites in Meantone Temperament1-5 Suite in B-flat BWV 8211 Prelude2 Allemande3 Courante4 Sarabande5 Echo6-10 Praeludium et partita dei tuono terzo in F major BWV 8336 Prelude7 Allemande8 Courante9 Sarabande and Double10 Aria11-15 Suite in A, BWV 83211 Allemande12 Air pour les Trompettes13 Sarabande14 Bourree15 Gigue16-21 Ouverture in g minor, BWV 82216 Ouverture17 Aira18 Gavotte en Rondeau19 Bourree20 Menuets, 1, 2, 321 Gigue22-26 Ouverture in F, BWV 82022 Ouverture23 Entree24 Minuet - Trio - Minuet25 Bourree26 GigueAaron Ross, EngineerShane Hoshino, TechnicianAaron Ross, MixerThe 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