Here, made sure his instruments within the orchestra were supreme and strictly oversaw his musicians and choir. Finally, in 1750, his illustrious career came to a close after he died following a serious infection from two cataract operations performed the same year. He continued composing even into the last few days before his death with the help of prescription drugs and his closest associated.
Several different characteristics stood out within the various performances Bach watched over in his career, whether as a composer or an organist. After attaining the position of Cantor in Leizberg, Bach made his discipline apparent in performances there. In order to curb previous bad reputations, many reported Bach's performances to be astounding presentations of organization and discipline on the behalf of both Bach and his musicians. This then helped earn his stern and forceful reputation which allowed him to gain so much fame within the German musical scene at the time.
Another earlier stage of Bach's career represented a more informal and casual approach to performances. When employed under Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cothn, Bach engaged in casual performances both for and with the Prince. The Prince, who was reported to be an extremely talented at the harpsichord and viola da gamba, loved to join performances with his small orchestra of musicians (Smith, 1996). Bach and the young Prince soon became good friends, a fact which was definitely seen in their performances together. This is definitely a stark contrast between these more casual performances, and the much stricter performances within church walls as his role as Cantor in Leizpeg.
One of his famous compositions, entitled "Badinerie," represents a classic baroque piece which epitomizes Bach's style of musical arrangements and writing. This piece, composed between 1718 and 1721, (Geocities, 1997), presents the audience with...
This piece is also heavily reliant on the lead of the flute, which represent the type of high pitch melodies an organist likes to take advantage of. The flute leads the rest of the orchestra in the context of the piece. It is also a showcase for the talents of the string musicians who have had the luxury of performing this typical Baroque piece. There is a strange story to this piece; the original composition being lost by Bach and later rewritten and revised during his time in Leipzig.
One of Bach's most famous compositions is the stunning "Air on the G. String." Most modern performances of this piece continue to astound audiences with the simplicity, yet complex nature of the compositional style. "Air" presents a striking solo violin performance, which would stump many of even the most capable violin players, accompanied by a low, yet melodic piano arrangement. One can only imagine this performed in the great churches of Leizpeg. This composition is simple in constructional nature, yet incredibly powerful in terms of emotional response of the high strings.
The sheer brilliance and ambition of Johann Sebastian Bach made him the famous composer he is known as today. Despite the several centuries which have past since his death, his compositions still remain popular choices for modern musicians. The nature of his compositions will continue to inspire musicians as long as classical instruments remain the dominating force within the global musical tradition.
Works Cited
Geocities. "Johan Sebastian Bach's Compositions." The Classical Period.
A www.geocities.com.Retrieved September 20, 2008 at http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/1492/cjsbachc.htm.
Smith, Timothy. "J.S. Bach: Education and Career." Northern Arizona University. 1996.
Retrieved September 20, 2008 at http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/life.html.
