Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21, 1685… or was it March 31? The simple answer is: both! The discrepancy comes from the change between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, but whichever date you prefer, Bach’s music is certainly worth celebrating.
To mark the occasion, we’ve gathered a selection of resources for Bach’s music from our library, including video lessons and study editions to guide you through his music. Whether you’re discovering the Inventions and Sinfonias or diving into the genius of the Well-Tempered Clavier, you’ll find plenty to explore – along with several new additions to our Step into the 48 series.
Step into “the 48” – Four New Instalments!
Our Step into ‘the 48‘ series continues to grow with four new instalments. In these videos, Beate Toyka guides us through the Preludes and Fugues of the Well-Tempered Clavier, revealing the musical ideas and contrapuntal craft that lie behind these extraordinary works. The newest additions include:
Prelude & Fugue in F# Minor (Book 2)
The deeply expressive Prelude leads to the Well-Tempered Clavier’s only triple fugue, where three subjects combine in ever more inventive ways. Click here to view.
Prelude & Fugue in A Minor (Book 1)
A deceptively simple two-part Prelude contrasts with a monumental four-part Fugue rich in ingenious stretti and contrapuntal drama. Click here to view.
Prelude & Fugue in F Minor (Book 1)
This quietly introspective Prelude in the style of a gentle allemande is followed by a Fugue of solemn dignity and noble counterpoint. Click here to view.
Prelude & Fugue in E-flat Major (Book 1)
This pair features an intriguing reversal: a Prelude that unfolds almost like a fugue paired with a brief, playful Fugue full of wit and charm. Click here to view.
Click here to view the full index of available lessons in this series or click here to watch the first instalment (no subscription required).
Study Editions
Video Lessons
- Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (Menuets & Gigue, BWV 825)
- Prelude in D Minor, BWV 935
- Prelude in C Minor, BWV 999
- Sinfonia No. 15 in B Minor, BWV 801
- Fantasia in C Minor, BWV 906
- Invention No. 12 in A Major, BWV 783
- Prelude & Fugue in E Major, BWV 854
- Prelude & Fugue in B-flat Major, BWV 866
- Invention No. 4 in D Minor, BWV 775
- Minuet in G, BWV Anh. II 116
- Invention No. 8 in F Major, BWV 779
Workshops & Other Resources
- Bach Isn’t Boring – Click here to find out more about Beate’s online presentation inspiring and equipping you to play Bach’s music, from “Little Preludes and Fuguettas” through to the splendour of the Well-Tempered Clavier!
- Baroque Day Workshops – Click here to purchase access to recordings and resources for Graham Fitch’s full day workshop on playing Baroque music on the piano.
- How to Learn a Fugue – Click here for a blog post and video by Graham Fitch on how to tackle a fugue!
Pedalling in Bach – Yes or No?
As part of our Piano Day Celebrations on Sunday 29th March, Graham Fitch challenged the simplistic “never use pedal” maxim and explored how modern pianists can approach Baroque repertoire on the modern piano. If you missed this event, you can still purchase access to the recording here!