J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

I want to start taking a more analytical approach to classical music, to study it as it were. I would like to start with Bach to see the techniques he used and how they were used.

Does anyone know any good articles which describe and critique his work in detail?

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

What sort of level are we talking here? Do you already know the general basics of Baroque/Classical forms and what a fugue/canon etc are?

Are you asking as someone who just wants to listen to the music, or are you wanting to learn techniques to compose yourself?

Theres a TTC lecture course on Bach which you may like but depending on your background this may be more useful (you can probably sample these for free on the internet if you look around etc but if you like them you should buy them after because TTC is an awesome awesome idea and needs financial support!)

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

All I have is a lingering memory of the things I once knew. I am essentially starting again from scratch. that said, I am fairly confident that these things I can pick up quite quickly if I put my mind to it.

to you final question the answer is, both. I wish to gain a greater understanding of his music so I can appreciate the music on another level as well as learning/remembering techniques to adapt in my own playing.

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

note edit!

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

Holy Hell! that is some expensive learning. It does look very good however.

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

I think what ASG really needs to learn is HOW TO GET A JOB!

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

A good pair of ears and his collective works is all you need.

Perhaps a pencil and paper if you find your forget things while listening.

Degree lecturers will tell you the best way to analyse music is to listen.

I can give you an email address of a lecturer at LCM (where I go) if you'd like to seek out further advice.



Edit: LCM = Leeds College of Music.

Re: J. S. Bach: the Man, the Music
 

I also have access via the college to a vast database of musical journals and research papers which I can acquire / download for free. If you come across any you'd like to read but at a cost, let me know and I can see if they are available to me for free.