Bach to the Baroque

Detail from a Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach (1748) by Elias Gottlob Haussmann

It would be a gross negligence, an injustice, if we didn't celebrate the birth date of the Baroque master, Johann Sebastian Bach, born on March 21, 1685.

My appreciation for Bach's music is beyond words, but, oddly, I don't get passionate about it. Whereas with Schubert or Mozart, I can endlessly praise or gush with enthusiasm, listing every precious compositional nuance, each moment of brilliance or inspiration. With Bach, I have no desire to champion his greatness.

Perhaps it is because Bach requires no champions. His music is so undeniably superb that I cannot even begin to imagine how anyone could not admire it. Perhaps it just isn't a particular listener's "thing" but, even so, they must be able to discern the quality, to value it intellectually, dispassionately.

The music is masterful in precision, balance, and progression. Cool and composed, the intricate sounds are the perfection of the Baroque.

Statue of Johann Sebastian Bach (1908) by Carl Seffner, in Leipzig

But I'll stop blathering and allow the music to state its case.

Danse Macabre

Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut


October 9, 1835 is the birth date of Camille Saint-Saens.

This isn't a "Classical Music" blog, but I was thinking of sneaking in a little Spooky Sunday fun for an early October evening. One of Saint-Saens' most famous pieces is the Danse Macabre. This tone poem is based on a story in which Death appears at midnight every Halloween and summons up the dead from their graves. To the sound of Death's violin, they dance until sunrise. Then they return into the earth and wait for another year to pass so that they can enjoy another night of liberating dance.

In late medieval lore, the danse macabre was symbolic of the universality of death. Regardless of your age, wealth, social status, or personal talents, the Reaper was always at your side. Death was waiting for all mortals. And so Life was nothing but a dance on the way to the grave.

Morbid stuff!!!

Dance of the Dolls (2011) by Anthony Clarkson

But I find the imagery fascinating. Dancing is such vigorous and life-affirming activity that the combination with Death creates a transgressive thrill. Lifeless things should not be dancing. And dancers should not be dead.

Variations on a Polish Theme

Karol Szymanowski (born October 6, 1882) was a Polish composer and pianist.

In the history of classical music, there is a strong focus upon the "Greats" of the tradition. That's as it should be, but it is nice to stop occasionally and take a listen to the music of the lesser accomplished masters. Their music may not have that special spark of genius, but, if it has authenticity and artistry, then it well worth our time and attention.

And so we'll celebrate the birth date of the Polish composer, Karol Szymanowski, born on this date in 1882 (although I've seen it listed as being October 3rd at some places.) I feel that his music is sadly overlooked. Yes, he wasn't a great innovator or paradigmatic of a style. However, he was an "explorer" of various trends within classical music of his era, from late Romanticism to Impressionism to Nationalism. His compositional style wandered through the turbulent influences of early 20th century, adapting and incorporating musical elements as fit his own interests.

Portrait of Karol Szymanowski (1930) by Witkacy

Therefore, let's appreciate his musical journeying. We can't all be geniuses, but we can honestly make the most of the talents which we have cultivated. I think Szymanowski's works fit that description.

Biber: Music from a Real Bohemian

Vanitas Still Life by Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraeten

One of my favorite baroque composers in Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber. His music has a rich intricacy that keeps the ear engaged but never overwhelmed. There is an elegant progression to his compositional style. This is most obvious in my favorite piece, the Mensa Sonora seu Musica Instrumentalis (1680). Yeah, it is a series of courtly dance pieces, but I like dance music even if it's over three centuries old. ;-)

Here is a bit of the Mensa Sonora:

And here is Biber's most famous work, the Passacaglia for violin solo in G minor from the Mystery Sonatas. Haunting, yet entrancing.

So, if you've never listened to Biber's music before, then take the opportunity to today to remedy the situation. The Mensa Sonora and the Mystery Sonatas are great pieces to develop an appreciate for this master of the Baroque.

Enjoy!!!