Bach

Since the original Master Musicians Bach volume was published in 1983, Bach has remained a figure of continuous fascination and interest to scholars and readers. David Schulenberg's book, Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven, offers a fresh perspective on the composer by examining his creative evolution, professional career, and family life from contemporary societal and cultural perspectives in early modern Europe. The author focuses on Bach's evolution as a composer by recognizing his world in the specific cities, courts, and environments within and for which he composed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Since the original publication of the Master Musicians Bach volume in 1983, and even since its revision in 2000, scholars and readers have remained captivated by the enduring fascination and interest surrounding the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The understanding of Bach and his music's historical and cultural context has undergone a significant shift, reflecting new biographical information that has emerged in recent decades. In his contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversation about Bach, author David Schulenberg offers a clear and concise perspective, contributing to an ongoing exploration of the composer's life and work.

Bach traces the man's emergence as a startlingly original organist and composer, delving into his creative evolution, professional career, and family life from contemporary societal and cultural perspectives in early modern Europe. The author examines Bach's experiences as a student, music director, and teacher, alongside the music he produced in each of these roles. This includes early compositions for keyboard instruments, the great organ and harpsichord works of later years, vocal music, and other famous instrumental works, such as the Brandenburg Concertos. Schulenberg also sheds light on how Bach incorporated his contemporary environment into his work, responding to music by other composers, his audiences, and employment conditions, as well as developments in poetry, theology, and even the sciences.

The author's focus lies in examining Bach's evolution as a composer by recognizing the specific cities, courts, and environments within and for which he composed. By dispensing with biographical minutiae and delving deeper into the interplay between his life and his music, Bach presents a unique, grounded, and refreshing new framing of a brilliant composer. This approach offers a deeper understanding of Bach's artistic journey and his profound impact on the world of music.

In conclusion, Johann Sebastian Bach remains a figure of continuous fascination and interest, and his music continues to captivate scholars and audiences worldwide. Through the insightful contributions of authors like David Schulenberg, our understanding of Bach and his music has expanded, shedding light on his creative genius and his profound contribution to the musical landscape.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190936303