Johann Mattheson, a contemporary composer of Bach, explicitly stated in his 1739 treatise Der vollkommene Capellmeister that rhetorical narrative is crucial even in purely instrumental music.
Interpretation
Performers have an important role in Bach's rhetorical music, needing to identify and 'switch on' the narrative power within the composition to make the music 'speak' to listeners.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's music, both vocal and instrumental, employs rhetorical techniques to sway the hearts and spirits of listeners, a concept described by Joachim Burnmeister in 1606 as "Musica poetica."
Compositional Technique
Bach used the convention that musically rising lines are often associated with positive emotions, while decreasing lines suggest a more negative emotion.
Historical Context
The interest in linking classical rhetoric, the art of persuasive speaking described by figures like Cicero and Aristotle, to musical creation grew significantly in the 17th century.
Performer Biography
Julien Wolfs, the harpsichordist, was the first laureate at the international harpsichord contest at Musica Antiqua Brugge in 2007, also winning the Audience Award and the Editions Minkoff Prize.
Performer Biography
Stefanie Troffaes, the flutist on this album, was a finalist at the International Soloist Competition Musica Antiqua Brugge in 2002 and was nominated for the Audience Prize Young Talent 2014 by radio Klara.
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