Johann Sebastian Bach was a member of a family that had for generations been occupied in music. His sons were to continue the tradition, providing the foundation of a new style of music that prevailed in the later part of the eighteenth century. Johann Sebastian Bach himself represented the end of an age, the culmination of the Baroque in a magnificent synthesis of Italian melodic invention, French rhythmic dance forms and German contrapuntal mastery.

Born in Eisenach in 1685, Bach was educated largely by his eldest brother, after the early death of his parents. At the age of eighteen he embarked on his career as a musician, serving first as a court musician at Weimar, before appointment as organist at Arnstadt. Four years later he moved to Mühlhausen as organist and the following year became organist and chamber musician to Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Weimar. Securing his release with difficulty, in 1717 he was appointed Kapellmeister to Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen and remained at Cöthen until 1723, when he moved to Leipzig as Cantor at the School of St.Thomas, with responsibility for the music of the five principal city churches. Bach was to remain in Leipzig until his death in 1750.

J.S. Bach was one of the most renowned keyboardists of his day, and he left a rich legacy of music for harpsichord originally intended for instruction and ‘spiritual refreshment’. This recording of mostly lesser-known works includes several early examples which afford fascinating insights into the young composer’s experimentation with counterpoint, harmony and form. They are all compelling, emotionally powerful works in their own right, with virtuoso content and an expressive range that easily matches that of Bach’s more famous keyboard pieces.

This composition has been attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach as BWV 909 but is of uncertain origin.

Source: IMSLP (http://imslp.org/wiki/Fantasia_and_Fughetta_in_B-flat_ major_(Kirchhoff,_Gottfried)).

Although originally written for Harpsichord. I created this Arrangement of the Concerto & Fugue in G Minor (BWV 909) for String Quartet (2 Violins, Viola & Cello).