Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) was better known as
a virtuoso organist than as a composer in his day. His
sacred music, organ and choral works, and other
instrumental music had an enthusiasm and seeming
freedom that concealed immense rigor. Bach's use of
counterpoint was brilliant and innovative, and the
immense complexities of his compositional style --
which often included religious and numerological
symbols that seem to fit perfectly together in a
profound puzzle of special codes -- stil...(+)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) was better known as
a virtuoso organist than as a composer in his day. His
sacred music, organ and choral works, and other
instrumental music had an enthusiasm and seeming
freedom that concealed immense rigor. Bach's use of
counterpoint was brilliant and innovative, and the
immense complexities of his compositional style --
which often included religious and numerological
symbols that seem to fit perfectly together in a
profound puzzle of special codes -- still amaze
musicians today. Many consider him the greatest
composer of all time.
"Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen" ("Praise your
good fortune, blessed Saxony"), BWV 215, is a secular
cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed the
"cantata gratulatoria" (congratulatory cantata) or
"Dramma per musica" (drama in music) in Leipzig as a
Festmusik für das kurfürstlich sächsische Haus
(Festive music for the court of the Electorate of
Saxony) for the anniversary of the election of August
III, Elector of Saxony, as King of Poland, and first
performed it on 5 October 1734 in the presence of the
Elector.
Although originally created as an Bass Aria (No. 5) for
Voice and accompainment, I created this arrangement of
"Rase nur, verweg'ner Schwarm" ("Bluster now,
Presumptuous Swarm") for Double Reed (Oboe & Bassoon) &
Strings (Violins (2), Viola & Cello).
PARTITION