When composing for the organ or harpsichord, Bach thought orchestrally, creating the illusion of a complete orchestra with just two hands.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In Part II of his Clavier-Übung, Bach consciously juxtaposed the Italian Concerto and French Overture to showcase the most important national influences on German music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johann Sebastian Bach, a Kapellmeister, always composed and thought universally, keeping the larger context in mind, which explains the finesse of his cantata preludes and orchestral treatment in his oratorios.
Instruments
The organ in the Church of St. Paul zu Harsewinkel, built in 2007, features two 32-foot bass pedal registers, which create a gravitas that Bach himself lacked in the organs of his time.
Compositional Technique
The Italian Concerto creates the illusion of a full orchestral work in concerto grosso style through alternating dense chordal passages and light, soloistic episodes.
Composition History
Bach's Clavier-Übung, a four-part compendium published between 1731 and 1741 at his own expense, systematically covered all keyboard instruments.
Compositional Technique
Even in his sonatas, partitas, and suites for violin or cello, Bach wrote orchestrally, realizing three- and four-part polyphonic passages on the string instruments.
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