Bach's Musical Universe

A comprehensive and fascinating study of the overall creative output of Johann Sebastian Bach, capturing the essence of his art.

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In this companion volume to Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician, Christoph Wolff contextualises his famous subject by delving deeply into the composer’s rich collection of music. Emerging from this complex and massive oeuvre, Bach’s Musical Universe is a focused discussion of a meaningful selection of compositions.

Unlike any previous study, this book details Bach’s creative process across the various instrumental and vocal genres, and centres on what the composer himself judiciously presented in carefully designed benchmark collections and individual works—all consequential to Bach’s musical art. Tracing Bach’s evolution as a composer, Wolff compellingly illuminates the ideals and legacy of this giant of classical music in a new, refreshing light for everyone, from the amateur to the virtuoso.