J. S. Bach: Passacaglia & Fugue S 582
by Johann Sebastian Bach
String Orchestra - Digital Sheet Music

String Orchestra - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.547964

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque. Score and Parts. 71 pages. Jmsgu3 #3091961. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.547964).

Passacaglia & Fugue S. 582  for string orchestra. This is a showpiece of truly gigantic proportions that will totally amaze any audience lucky enough to hear it. Duration: 12:18

Passacaglia & Fugue in C Minor BWV 582

Some historians suggest that Bach wrote this piece after studying the works of Buxtehude in Lubeck. This is because of Buxtehude’s interest in ostinato forms. Therefore, he probably wrote this in Arnstadt upon returning from Lubeck. The Passacaglia is one of two ostinato-based forms popular in that period. The Passacaglia features a repeating bass line, whereas the Chaconne uses a repeating harmonic pattern. Nevertheless, this is one of Bach’s most famous works. It contains some 21 variations and a gigantic fugue at the end.

Bach Overview

First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and indeed the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and indeed the Christmas Oratorio.

 History

Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.

 Style

It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top.

Revival              

Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an "S" (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for "BWV".