W.T.F. Bach_Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* The _Aria Variata all man. Italiana_ is a set of variations from Bach's youth (Wolff puts the date at 1704.) It is in exquisite example Bach's mastery of the Italian using an original theme.
I'd like to shout out to the great Bachian Wolfgang Glüxam whose recording of this piece I admire. I stole the descending scale in the first Allegro variation from him. He died too young. If you don't know his work, be sure to check him out.
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusic
J.S. Bach: Aria Variata BWV 989 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-10-25 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* The _Aria Variata all man. Italiana_ is a set of variations from Bach's youth (Wolff puts the date at 1704.) It is in exquisite example Bach's mastery of the Italian using an original theme.
I'd like to shout out to the great Bachian Wolfgang Glüxam whose recording of this piece I admire. I stole the descending scale in the first Allegro variation from him. He died too young. If you don't know his work, be sure to check him out.
*How To Support This Channel:* *become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*
or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusicIm Disabling Comments! Head to WTFBach (dot) Substack (dot com)W.T.F. Bach2025-11-28 | Bach vs. Brain Rot.
If you're willing to leave a comment on Substack, welcome to the discussion!
wtfbach.substack.comEp. 113: New Bach Works (!) Heard TODAYW.T.F. Bach2025-11-17 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Just a few moments ago, two newly christened works were connected to Bach’s name for the time after 320 years. Exciting news, have a listen! Many thanks to the Bach Archive in Leipzig for the production. (Sorry for any glitches in the production, episode made in haste!)
Know someone who’d enjoy hearing about this joyous discovery?
A link to the source of d minor Chaconne, BWV 1178 (https://www.bach-digital.de/servlets/solr/select?q=%2BobjectType%3A%22work%22%20%2B%28musicrepo_work01%3A1178%20musicrepo_work01shelfmark%3A1178%20musicrepo_workid_number%3A1178%20musicrepo_work02%3A1178%29%20-state%3A%22STAT0005%22&fl=id%2CreturnId%2CobjectType&sort=musicrepo_worksort01%20asc&version=4.5&mask=&start=0&fl=id&rows=1&XSL.Style=browse&origrows=25) A link to the source of the g minor Chaconne, BWV 1179 (https://www.bach-digital.de/servlets/solr/select?q=%2BobjectType%3A%22work%22%20%2B%28musicrepo_work01%3A1179%20musicrepo_work01shelfmark%3A1179%20musicrepo_workid_number%3A1179%20musicrepo_work02%3A1179%29%20-state%3A%22STAT0005%22&fl=id%2CreturnId%2CobjectType&sort=musicrepo_worksort01%20asc&version=4.5&mask=&start=0&fl=id&rows=1&XSL.Style=browse&origrows=25)
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Get full access to WTF Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe (wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)J.S. Bach, Fugue in a minor, BWV 959 (OPEN SCORE)W.T.F. Bach2025-10-26 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* A personal favorite, this fugue is absolutely wild. Bach boldly uses an augmented second (C-D#) in the theme. The structure, somewhat strict at first, begins to run wild in 32nd notes toward a finale which is delayed and pushed further away. The texture breaks down into a quasi 'fantasia,' until finally a fermata and virtuoso arpeggios end the piece. It has all the hallmarks of an early Bach tour-de-force.
The fugue was considered 'of doubtful authenticity' until the most recent BWV catalogue, where it is now considered 'early Weimar time.' I am unclear if this means 1703, when Bach was briefly in Weimar, or early into his 1708-1717 tenure. To me it seems to match stylistically the compositions closer to 1700, hence I am inclined to imagine that this is meant by 'frühe Weimarer Zeit.' Anyone with access to the BWV3 (2022) who might be able to clarify this would be heartily thanked.
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbachJ.S. Bach, Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 682 (in OPEN SCORE + Sheet Music)W.T.F. Bach2025-10-19 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* A most ingenious (and difficult!) chorale-prelude from Bach's 1739 Organ Mass (Clavier-Übung III.)
In _five voices_, two obligato lines dance in ornate rhythms over a steady pedal line. Interwoven into this trio-sonata texture, a cantus firmus appears in a canon at the octave.
Martin Luther wrote the hymn in 1538. The text is a paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer, where each line from the prayer is fleshed out into a full stanza of poetry. The melody appeared with the text in the 1539 _gesangbuch_ of Valentin Schumann.
Inspired by Adam Reinken's (1643-1723) 'Hortus Musicus,' Bach made three transcriptions of the Dutch master's work. The transcriptions are much more free and inventive than his other concerto transcriptions.
The fugues alone (in BWVs 966, 965, 954) which use theme's from Reinken work are among the largest and most virtuosic in the solo keyboard repertoire.
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusicEp. 105: AUDIOBOOK: Isak Dinesen, The Immortal StoryW.T.F. Bach2025-09-05 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* From The WTF Bach Podcast:
Enjoy this powerful story (1953) by Karen Blixen. Free Audiobook! -Evan
The episode is from a series of episodes dedicated to the Goldberg Variation Canons BWV 1087, several of them which perfectly do fit the properties of a Möbius strip.
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Supporting this show ensures its longevity. Thank you for your support! In this video, we take a critical look at the viral animation “JS Bach Crab Canon on a Möbius Strip” and explain why this music doesn't belong on a Möbius strip- others canons do! Using clear musical analysis and mathematical concepts, we debunk the myth behind this popular interpretation of Bach’s canon. Whether you're a classical music fan, theory enthusiast, or just curious about the truth behind this perplexing animation, this 6-minute deep dive clarifies what’s really going on in Bach’s ingenious composition.
#JSBach #CrabCanon #MobiusStrip #MusicTheory #ClassicalMusic #BaroqueMusic #BachAnalysis #TonalInversion #Debunked #negativeharmonyJ.S. Bach: Concerto in g minor BWV 983 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2025-07-18 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Another transcription by an unknown composer. This is the 5th concerto in our study, counting down from BWV 1000!
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Immerse yourself in the sound of the harpsichord, brought to life through historically informed performance and witty commentary on The WTF Bach Podcast. From Goldberg Variations to French Suites, explore the nuances of Baroque ornamentation, temperament, and touch. Subscribe for more from the front lines of early music revival. #Harpsichord #BaroqueKeyboard #EarlyMusic #BachPodcast #HistoricalPerformanceJ.S. Bach: Sonata in C Major BWV 966 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2025-03-21 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Happy Birthday Bach!
Inspired by Adam Reinken's (1643-1723) 'Hortus Musicus,' Bach made three transcriptions of the Dutch master's work. The transcriptions are much more free and inventive than his other concerto transcriptions.
The fugues alone (in BWVs 966, 965, 954) which use theme's from Reinken work are among the largest and most virtuosic in the solo keyboard repertoire.
*How To Support This Channel:*
*become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*
or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusicBachs Orchestration Genius: Hidden Brilliance in Cantata BWV 106W.T.F. Bach2025-03-14 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com*
Marvel at the subtle musical effects Bach achieves with two recorders in _almost_ unison. BWV 106, 'Actus Tragicus' Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit.'
Supporting this show ensures its longevity. Thank you for your support!J.S. Bach: Concerto in C Major BWV 984 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2025-03-07 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Continuing our study of the many concerti transcriptions Bach made around 1713, this is a transcription of another piece by Johann Ernst, Prince of Saxe-Weimar. The original music is lost, however Bach was fond enough of the piece to make another transcription (of the opening movement) for organ, BWV 595.
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Organ Music and the Genius of Bach: Explore the mighty organ works of J.S. Bach through in-depth analysis and sonic explorations on The WTF Bach Podcast. Hear towering toccatas, chorale preludes, and fugues dissected with clarity and irreverence. Ideal for lovers of pipe organ, church music, and Bach’s sacred genius. #OrganMusic #BachFugues #WTFBach #BaroqueOrgan #EarlyMusicPodcastShakespeare: Venus and Adonis (1593) (COMPLETE Audiobook)W.T.F. Bach2025-03-04 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* The bard— not the brook, but don’t worry, this podcast isn’t going to become an English lesson.
Here is my reading of Shakespeare’s first publication, Venus and Adonis, a poem that is pure music. If I were to list my favorite lines, I might as well copy out half the poem. Just something that pops into my head would be a line like,
“Rain added to a river that is rankPerforce will force it overflow the bank.”
It bursts with melody and rhythm! And at least one moment, such as when Venus addresses Death,
'Hard-favour'd tyrant, ugly, meagre, lean,Hateful divorce of love,'--thus chides she Death,--'Grim-grinning ghost, earth's worm, what dost thou meanTo stifle beauty and to steal his breath,Who when he lived, his breath and beauty setGloss on the rose, smell to the violet?
'If he be dead,--O no, it cannot be,Seeing his beauty, thou shouldst strike at it:--O yes, it may; thou hast no eyes to see,But hatefully at random dost thou hit.Thy mark is feeble age, but thy false dartMistakes that aim and cleaves an infant's heart.
Why, this might well be compared with the later tragedies. Grim-grinning ghost! As Keats wrote in the margin of his copy of the Sonnets, ‘Lo!’
I hope you enjoy this diversion. I’ve been toying with this for about a year now. I suggest reading along while listening to best absorb the poem. You can read the full text in modern English here (https://shakespeare.mit.edu/Poetry/VenusAndAdonis.html) , and as it appeared (with older spelling) in 1593, here (internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ven_Q1/index.html) .
Poor queen of love, in thine own law forlorn,To love a cheek that smiles at thee in scorn!
This is based on G.P. Telemann's violin concerto, TWV 51:g1. Bach also copied the parts to Telemann's double concerto, TWV 52:G2, around 1709. If Bach made this transcription around the same time as his copy, this transcription may have preceded the rest of the 1713 transcriptions by a few years.
Have a look at Bach's beautiful handwriting as he carefully copies out the Telemann double here:
*become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*
or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Focused on Harpsichord & Performance Practice? Immerse yourself in the sound of the harpsichord and clavichord, brought to life through historically informed performance and witty commentary on The WTF Bach Podcast. From Goldberg Variations to French Suites, explore the nuances of Baroque ornamentation, temperament, and touch. Subscribe for more from the front lines of early music revival. #Harpsichord #BaroqueKeyboard #EarlyMusic #BachPodcast #HistoricalPerformanceJ.S. Bach: Sonata in a minor BWV 967 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2025-02-07 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* A work from the Möller Manuscript, by the young J.S. ca. 1703. This exciting work is in one single movement, and filled with figured bass.
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Education Meets Entertainment in Bach’s World: Join The WTF Bach Podcast as it unpacks the intricacies of counterpoint, rhetoric in Baroque composition, and the legacy of J.S. Bach with irreverent charm. Hear experts break down complex ideas, explore rare repertoire, and laugh along the way. A must for music theorists, organists, and harpsichordists alike. #BachAnalysis #MusicTheory #Counterpoint #BachHumor #BaroquePodcastJ.S. Bach: Concerto in G BWV 986 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2025-01-24 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Continuing our study of the many concerti transcriptions Bach made around 1713. As of 2025, the composer of the model on which Bach based this transcription is unknown! More historical info in the video.
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusicJ.S. Bach: Adagio in G, BWV 968 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-12-06 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* One of two remarkable transcriptions that come down to us in P. 218: Transcriptions from the composer's own violin music, the 'authenticity' of which have puzzled Bachians for years.
This video is a transcription of the C major violin sonata, BWV 1005 -- only the first movement is arranged. The entire sonata, BWV 1003, appears as BWV 964. Both works for keyboard show an extremely rich imagination and complete mastery of the art of transcription.
More information in the video!
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Organ Music and the Genius of Bach: Explore the mighty organ works of J.S. Bach through in-depth analysis and sonic explorations on The WTF Bach Podcast. Hear towering toccatas, chorale preludes, and fugues dissected with clarity and irreverence. Ideal for lovers of pipe organ, church music, and Bach’s sacred genius. #OrganMusic #BachFugues #WTFBach #BaroqueOrgan #EarlyMusicPodcastJ.S. Bach: Concerto in d minor BWV 987 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-11-22 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* We begin our study of the many concerti transcriptions Bach made around 1713. This is a transcription made of Johann Ernst, Prince of Saxe-Weimar's violin concerto, Op. 1 no. 4. More info to be found in the video.
*become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*
or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Focused on Harpsichord & Performance Practice? Immerse yourself in the sound of the harpsichord and clavichord, brought to life through historically informed performance and witty commentary on The WTF Bach Podcast. From Goldberg Variations to French Suites, explore the nuances of Baroque ornamentation, temperament, and touch. Subscribe for more from the front lines of early music revival. #Harpsichord #BaroqueKeyboard #EarlyMusic #BachPodcast #HistoricalPerformanceJ.S. Bach: Andante BWV 969, Presto BWV 970 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-11-08 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* These two works have diverse histories and are listed separately in the BWV catalogue, but in fact appear together as the final two movements of the 'Toccatina in d minor,' a piecemeal work that appeared around 1800 consisting of works by Bach, and possibly his eldest son W.F.
More about the origins and authenticity of these pieces in the video. The article mentioned can be read at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41640346
*How To Support This Channel:*
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or donate on: paypal.me/wtfbach venmo.com/wtfbach https://cash.app/$wtfbach Education Meets Entertainment in Bach’s World: Join The WTF Bach Podcast as it unpacks the intricacies of counterpoint, rhetoric in Baroque composition, and the legacy of J.S. Bach with irreverent charm. Hear experts break down complex ideas, explore rare repertoire, and laugh along the way. A must for music theorists, organists, and harpsichordists alike. #BachAnalysis #MusicTheory #Counterpoint #BachHumor #BaroquePodcastJ.S. Bach: Sarabande and Partita, BWV 990 (2/2) (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-10-11 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Part two of the youthful variations perhaps based on the Lully opera 'Bellérophon.' Scroll to 09:46 the end to see the possible connections.
Considered 'of doubtful authenticity' since its publication in 1894, these wonderful variations most likely date to Bach's earliest years. It is possibly a transcription based on a foreign composer, with Lully as a candidate-- though his opera Bellérophon leaves us wanting a more convincing connection. If this piece were widely accepted into Bach’s canon, it would expand our understanding of his early style. More insights are shared in the video... _
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* Organ Music and the Genius of Bach: Explore the mighty organ works of J.S. Bach through in-depth analysis and sonic explorations on The WTF Bach Podcast. Hear towering toccatas, chorale preludes, and fugues dissected with clarity and irreverence. Ideal for lovers of pipe organ, church music, and Bach’s sacred genius. #OrganMusic #BachFugues #WTFBach #BaroqueOrgan #EarlyMusicPodcastJ.S. Bach: Sarabande and Partita, BWV 990 (1/2) (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-09-27 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Considered 'of doubtful authenticity' since its publication in 1894, these wonderful variations most likely date to Bach's earliest years. It is possibly a transcription based on a foreign composer, with Lully as a candidate-- though his opera Bellérophon leaves us wanting a more convincing connection. If this piece were widely accepted into Bach’s canon, it would expand our understanding of his early style. More insights are shared in the video...
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* Focused on Harpsichord & Performance Practice? Immerse yourself in the sound of the harpsichord and clavichord, brought to life through historically informed performance and witty commentary on The WTF Bach Podcast. From Goldberg Variations to French Suites, explore the nuances of Baroque ornamentation, temperament, and touch. Subscribe for more from the front lines of early music revival. #Harpsichord #BaroqueKeyboard #EarlyMusic #BachPodcast #HistoricalPerformanceJ.S. Bach: Air in C minor, BWV 991 (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-09-13 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Here is the lovely air in c minor, BWV 991. Only the first half of the first variation is complete; the rest exists in fragments and must be reconstructed. Bach probably planned at least one more variation as seen by the blank page left at the end. _
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* Education Meets Entertainment in Bach’s World: Join The WTF Bach Podcast as it unpacks the intricacies of counterpoint, rhetoric in Baroque composition, and the legacy of J.S. Bach with irreverent charm. Hear experts break down complex ideas, explore rare repertoire, and laugh along the way. A must for music theorists, organists, and harpsichordists alike. #BachAnalysis #MusicTheory #Counterpoint #BachHumor #BaroquePodcastJ.S. Bach: Capriccio in B-flat major, BWV 992 (2/2) (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-08-16 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* PART TWO: The early programmatic work from 1702, _Capriccio sopra la lontananza de il fratro dilettissimo_ _Capriccio on the Departure of the Beloved Brother_
The last two movements of the six movement work focus on the adventures of the 'brother.'
See the previous video: youtu.be/cVWrKSpdq5Y for a more in-depth history of this work.
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*Performers Commentary, Vol. 3W.T.F. Bach2024-08-04 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* The final performer’s commentary episode for you. This is live commentating (the program notes of the future) on the last of my three simultaneous releases. This album is a bunch of preludes and fugues— some maybe you know, some maybe you don’t.
You can stream and individually purchase any track including the performer’s commentary from the third volume below. [More streaming links (including youtube playlists) at the bottom:]
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _The first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere!_
Amazon Music: tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Baroque Music for the Modern Mind: The WTF Bach Podcast makes Baroque music accessible, humorous, and intellectually rich. From concerto transcriptions to cantata deep-dives, listeners gain a modern perspective on 18th-century genius. A seasoned soprano or curious about counterpoint, this is your home for all Bach analysis. #BaroqueForAll #BachPodcast #ConcertoTranscriptions #HarpsichordMusic #WTFBach #EarlyMusicNo One Ever Erected a Statue to a Critic (Bach vs. Scheibe)W.T.F. Bach2024-07-26 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Johann Adolph Scheibe (bach-cantatas.com/Lib/Scheibe-Johann-Adolph.htm) went down in history for attacking Bach’s “turgid and confused” style.
“…from the natural to the artificial, and from the lofty to the obscure ... one wonders at the painful labor of it all, that nevertheless comes to nothing, since it is at variance with reason.”
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _The first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere!_
Amazon Music: tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Organ Music and the Genius of Bach: Explore the mighty organ works of J.S. Bach through in-depth analysis and sonic explorations on The WTF Bach Podcast. Hear towering toccatas, chorale preludes, and fugues dissected with clarity and irreverence. Ideal for lovers of pipe organ, church music, and Bach’s sacred genius. #OrganMusic #BachFugues #WTFBach #BaroqueOrgan #EarlyMusicPodcastMi Fa, et Fa Mi est tota musica (BWV 1078)W.T.F. Bach2024-07-07 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* On March 1, 1749, Bach penned the following into a Stammbuch:
Today’s episode covers this canon in depth. What does it mean? How does it sound?
The Mi Fa et Fa Mi canon, BWV 1078, is one of Bach’s puzzle canons, demonstrating his unparalleled command of counterpoint theory and inventive compositional techniques. Written as a 7-voice canon, this work, inscribed in a Stammbuch on March 1, 1749, reflects his late-period fascination with musical puzzles and structured complexity. Scholars such as Anatoly Milka and David Yearsley have explored its deeper significance, shedding light on Bach’s innovative canons and their place in Bach music scholarship. As we analyze Bach’s use of counterpoint, we uncover the intricate interplay of voices that define his style. This episode delves into Bach music history, his compositional techniques, and the broader implications of Bach’s musical meaning in this enigmatic work.
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#Harpsichord #BaroqueKeyboard #EarlyMusic #BachPodcast #HistoricalPerformancePerformers Commentary, Vol. 2W.T.F. Bach2024-06-26 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Another performer’s commentary episode for you. If you’ve missed out on the second of my three simultaneous releases, you’ll have a chance to listen to it here, with my live commentary.
You can stream and individually purchase any track including the performer’s commentary from the second volume here. —More streaming links (including youtube playlists) at the bottom:
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _The first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere!_
Amazon Music: tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsbBachs Puzzle Canons (Yes, Please.)W.T.F. Bach2024-06-09 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Thanks for your feedback on the last few episodes. I’ve gathered my listeners enjoy piecing together musical cells in their minds, so today’s episode will bring you more of that.
The eight surviving canons, BWVs 1072-1078 (+BWV deest) were written on small pieces of paper or penned into registry books. Their compact content, usually only a few notes, is then ‘solved:’ copied and transformed to make a perpetual piece of music in several voices.
You will hear the solutions in the episode. Here is how they appear on the page:
This is the first canon discussed. From these two measures of music, eight voices are formed.
This is the second canon discussed: a four-voice canon with each voice entering a successive fifth higher than the last. It’s the four clefs at the beginning of the line that clue you in on this. The %-like symbol shows you where the next voice enters.
This is BWV 1074, the mysterious ‘Houdemann’ canon. Note the four clefs on the left of the staff, but also the four clefs to the right. They are inverted with a different key signature. Bach here was exploring the a truly symmetrical— not merely diatonic— inversion.
The final canon of the episode. The charming two-voice canon for one of his Godchildren. This canon is simple to solve and the easiest to comprehend.
Yes, the famous F-A-B-E-R, “mi fa, et fa mi est tota musica” canon will be in one of the next episodes— rest assured!
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _The first three albums of the 'Complete Works for Solo Keyboard' are live everywhere!_
Amazon Music: tinyurl.com/3e4kwnsb Discover the world of J.S. Bach like never before with The WTF Bach Podcast—where counterpoint meets curiosity. Dive into episodes exploring Baroque performance practice, historical instruments like the harpsichord and organ, and interviews with leading early music specialists. Perfect for fans of Bach fugues, Baroque interpretation, and music history with attitude. #WTFBachPodcast #JSBach #BaroqueMusic #Harpsichord #OrganMusicHear the Piece of Music Bach is Holding (Canon Triplex, BWV 1076)W.T.F. Bach2024-05-29 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com*
This is canon 13 in the 14 additional canons, found on the back of Bach's personal copy of the Goldberg Variations, BWV 988. For more context, visit the link above.
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Supporting this show ensures its longevity. Thank you for your support!Performers Commentary, Vol. 1W.T.F. Bach2024-05-26 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* If you miss those DVDs with the optional director’s commentary, you’re going to enjoy this episode.
Each album in my ‘J.S. Bach Complete Solo Keyboard Works’ will be accompanied by this type of work, my commentating as the music plays.
You can stream (and individually purchase) any track including the performer’s commentary from the first album here:
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com*What Did Bachs Business Card Sound Like?W.T.F. Bach2024-05-12 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* You know that portrait of Bach holding a little scrap of music? Ever wonder what the piece was? What it sounded like?
That piece of paper is a six-voice, triple canon: number thirteen in the fourteen additional canons found on the back of Bach’s personal copy of the Goldberg Variations. (Analysis of that specific canon around 32 min.)
We’ve covered nine of these puzzling pieces in three previous episodes, but now it’s time to call it a wrap on all fourteen. These additional canons were discovered only as late as the 1970s. For a more detailed history, check the three previous episodes dealing with these canons:
Here is the image of the canon, “Christ will Crown the Cross-bearers” that appears in the family registry book belonging to J.G. Fulde:
And of course, Bach and his “business card:”
The bass line in both the images (and in all of the canons) is our beloved “first eight fundamental notes of the preceding aria” on which all the canons are based.
Be sure to get my forthcoming three albums on PRESALE before they go live on May 17th!
*or become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com* Discover the world of J.S. Bach like never before with The WTF Bach Podcast—where counterpoint meets curiosity. Dive into episodes exploring Baroque performance practice, historical instruments like the harpsichord and organ, and interviews with leading early music specialists. Perfect for fans of Bach fugues, Baroque interpretation, and music history with attitude. #WTFBachPodcast #JSBach #BaroqueMusic #Harpsichord #OrganMusicJ.S. Bach: Suite in c minor, BWV 997 (2/2) (Evan Shinners, keyboard)W.T.F. Bach2024-04-26 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* This is the second half of the lute-harpsichord suite in c minor, BWV 997.
wtfbach.substack.comThree Albums on Presale Today! (Ever Dance With a Double?)W.T.F. Bach2024-04-24 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* ALBUMS ON PRESALE TODAY! BUY THE ALBUMS HERE!
As for the music covered today, we will hear Doubles layered over their preceding dance movements. A Double is an elaboration on the preceding movement, where the melody is quickened— often twice as quickly. The harmonic structure of the Double and its preceding movement is the same, allowing for one to play both movements at the same time with very interesting results.
Pieces studied:
Sarabande and Double from Sixth English Suite, BWV 811
Gigue and Double from the c minor lute suite, BWV 997
Partita in b minor for solo violin, BWV 1002
People/places mentioned:
Burp Castle (http://burpcastlenyc.wordpress.com) at 41 East 7th Street in the East Village of Manhattan (between 2nd Ave & Cooper Square).
Concepts Covered:In today’s episode, we explore the concept of Doubles in Baroque music. Doubles are essentially melodic embellishments that accelerate the original melody while maintaining the harmonic structure of the original dance movement. This creates an interesting contrast when heard alongside its corresponding dance. We’ll dive into specific examples from Bach’s repertoire, including the Sarabande and Double from the Sixth English Suite, BWV 811, the Gigue and Double from the c minor lute suite, BWV 997, and the Partita in b minor for solo violin, BWV 1002.
More lute harpsichord music! In Bach's early years, perhaps inspired by the model of Adam Reinken, he combined prelude and fugue with suite dances. Here, in his last decade of composition, we see a possible return to that idea. Compare this fugue with the fugue of BWV 998, and we see Bach's late fugue style as clearly different from, say, The Well-Tempered Clavier part one.
You can see the problem with the range I mention in this source here:
_or become a paid subscriber at_ wtfbach.substack.com (http://wtfbach.substack.com) Discover the world of J.S. Bach like never before with The WTF Bach Podcast—where counterpoint meets curiosity. Dive into episodes exploring Baroque performance practice, historical instruments like the harpsichord and organ, and interviews with leading early music specialists. Perfect for fans of Bach fugues, Baroque interpretation, and music history with attitude. #WTFBachPodcast #JSBach #BaroqueMusic #Harpsichord #OrganMusicBWV 104, Du Hirte Israel, höre.W.T.F. Bach2024-04-10 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* Thanks for all your support during The Bach Store! If you’re in NYC on Friday (April 12, 2024), come to Le Poisson Rouge at 158 Bleecker Street (lpr.com/lpr_events/suuvi24) at 7pm.
Be sure to mark your calendars: April 24th, 2024, my new albums will be on PRE-sale. It marks the beginning of my most ambitious project to date: a very thorough, if possible, ‘complete’ set of the keyboard works of Bach. I will certainly send another reminder as the date approaches.
And now for a brief journey into Bach around this date in 1724: today’s episode covers the cantata for the second Sunday after Easter, BWV 104, Du Hirte Israel, höre. Unlike the other cantatas I have recently discussed, this cantata is not based on a chorale melody.
And don’t miss out on your WTF Bach merchandise! Here are seven magnets for your fridge. Send me a note to arrange a sale (T-Shirts, Pins, Bags, 3D Printed Heads, Lighters, also available).
This wonderful piece is a prelude, a fugue, and an "allegro." The prelude is uncompromisingly beautiful, and the fugue is one of Bach's finest examples of his later, 'da capo' fugue style. The "allegro" at the end makes for an exciting finale of a genre which seems to be an anomaly for Bach. Typically included in his "lute works," this piece is frequently played by guitar players and was for sometime a very important work for the so-called "golden age pianists" like Richter.
This little prelude is sometimes included among other little preludes, but its source tradition is not so: it comes to us in source P.804, in a fascicle with the its own title page mentioning the work is "for the lute."
_or become a paid subscriber at_ wtfbach.substack.com (http://wtfbach.substack.com) Discover the world of J.S. Bach like never before with The WTF Bach Podcast—where counterpoint meets curiosity. Dive into episodes exploring Baroque performance practice, historical instruments like the harpsichord and organ, and interviews with leading early music specialists. Perfect for fans of Bach fugues, Baroque interpretation, and music history with attitude. #WTFBachPodcast #JSBach #BaroqueMusic #Harpsichord #OrganMusicThe Neumeister Chorales (Bach at 15 yrs. old)W.T.F. Bach2024-03-06 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* You read correctly: The Bach Store is back. In Erfurt, Thuringia, the state from where the Bachs hail. I will play for five hours, March 14-28, 12.00-18.00 GMT +1 (7AM-1PM EST.)
Bach Store Merchandise is available on request. Send an email to bach (at) wtfbach (dot com)
— Meanwhile, the music in today’s episode comes from the “Neumeister Collection (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neumeister_Collection) ,” a collection of over 80 chorale preludes from multiple composers, published for the first time in 1985. More than 30 of the pieces come from J.S. Bach ca. 1700, when the composer was only 15 year old. Hence one of the newest Bach discoveries showed us the youngest portraits of the composer. I played three of them, one on a ‘real’ organ (Saint Anne’s, London) and two on Organteq (by Modartt.) —
This fugue is probably most famous as the first fugue (BWV 1001) in Bach's six pieces for solo violin, but Bach also arranged the same fugue twice more, here for 'Lautenwerk' and once for Organ (BWV 539). Scroll to the end of the video to see the original 'tablature' in which this fugue comes down to us.
_or become a paid subscriber at_ wtfbach.substack.com (http://wtfbach.substack.com) Discover the world of J.S. Bach like never before with The WTF Bach Podcast—where counterpoint meets curiosity. Dive into episodes exploring Baroque performance practice, historical instruments like the harpsichord and organ, and interviews with leading early music specialists. Perfect for fans of Bach fugues, Baroque interpretation, and music history with attitude. #WTFBachPodcast #JSBach #BaroqueMusic #Harpsichord #OrganMusicIntroducing: The Flute!W.T.F. Bach2024-02-24 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* This week I’ll be performing some flute chamber music in Santa Barbara, California. I realize I’ve never specifically mentioned Bach’s wonderful flute repertoire on this podcast.
We tackle here what I find is the most complex composition in the repertoire: the first movement of the b minor sonata, BWV 1030.
Pieces heard:
BWV 1030.1 Source P. 1008, early version, harpsichord part.
BWV 1030.2 The later version, arranged as a flute sonata.
Bach’s flute sonatas stand as essential works in the Baroque flute repertoire, with the B minor sonata, BWV 1030, being one of the most important. This masterpiece of Bach’s chamber music showcases intricate counterpoint and structure, making it a highlight of flute repertoire. Through an exploration of Bach’s early drafts, such as BWV 1030.1, we uncover Bach’s approach to flute sonata composition. The discussion of flute vs. recorder further enriches our understanding of Baroque music history and performance practice. Whether analyzing Bach’s compositions or appreciating the beauty of music for flute, this sonata remains a testament to Bach’s genius.
Performed on bluetooth MIDI keyboard, with illustrations and love Faux-etry, by W.T.F. Bach.
Suite in G major, BWV 1007 Prelude 00.00 Allemande 01:32 Courante 03:52 Sarabande 05:55 Minuets 07:07 Gigue 09:38
Suite in d minor, BWV 1008 Prelude 10:54 Allemande 12:49 Courante 14:38 Sarabande 15:52 Minuets 18:15 Gigue 20:02
Suite in C major, BWV 1009 Prelude 21:37 Allemande 23:13 Courante 25:40 Sarabande 27:37 Bourrées 29:38 Gigue 32:07
Suite in E-flat major, BWV 1010 Prelude 34:02 Allemande 36:02 Courante 38:44 Sarabande 41:02 Bourrées 43:03 Gigue 46:53
Suite in c minor, BWV 1011 Prelude 49:18 Allemande 52:18 Courante 54:20 Sarabande 55:25 Gavottes 57:10 Gigue 1:00:23
Suite in D major, BWV 1012 Prelude 1:01:39 Allemande 1:05:11 Courante 1:08:45 Sarabande 1:11:15 Gavottes 1:13:37 Gigue 1:16:17
Alt. Takes: 1:18:54Two More Cantatas (1724, Part 3)W.T.F. Bach2024-02-14 | _Want to leave a comment?_ Have a listen to youtu.be/dgTT7-iRTWE?si=IjlK63EOrF5Ar-hH or join the discussion directly at *wtfbach.substack.com* This is the final episode introducing Bach’s cantata cycle of 1724. In the first four cantatas of the cycle, we heard how Bach used Lutheran hymnal melodies as cantus firmi in different voice parts in each opening movement (sopranos, followed by altos, followed by tenors, followed by basses.)
Here, the next two cantatas see less predictable treatments of the old melodies. Bach evidently valued these two cantatas, as later in life he arranged single movements from both BWV 10 and BWV 93 into his publication of organ music known as the “Schübler Chorales.”