October 12, 2014
- Preludes from the Bach family
Today, we will hear music from Bach's first cousin once removed, his father-in- law, and the master himself. All of the preludes are based on the well-known German chorale: "These are the holy ten commands." J.C. Bach's version is very likely an attempt at a
chorale fughetta and only includes the first line of the original tune. Fugue-like entries begin the work also titled "In God's Name we Go" and lead to imitative writing above a D pedal point. J.M. Bach's version is longer and includes colorful ornamentation and includes the entire chorale melody in the top voice interspersed by fugal episodes. J.S. Bach's version is the shortest with only twenty measures but also the most creative. J.S. Bach derives a figure from the first phrase of the chorale which includes 5 repeated eighth notes. One can listen for the repeated notes that refer to the Holy Ten Commandments and the importance of keeping the law.
Sunday's Prelude: Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot (J.C. Bach, J.M. Bach, J.S. Bach (BWV 635))Sunday's Postlude: Toccata in Seven (Rutter)
