The Best of Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 -- 28 July 1750)
Part II: • The Best of Bach: Part II
Bach was born in Eisenach, Saxe-Eisenach, into a great musical family; his father, Johann Ambrosius Bach, was the director of the town musicians, and all of his uncles were professional musicians. His father probably taught him to play violin and harpsichord, and his brother, Johann Christoph Bach, taught him the clavichord and exposed him to much contemporary music. Apparently at his own initiative, Bach attended St Michael's School in Lüneburg for two years. After graduating, he held several musical posts across Germany: he served as Kapellmeister (director of music) to Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, Cantor of Thomasschule in Leipzig, and Royal Court Composer to August III. Bach's health and vision declined in 1749, and he died on 28 July 1750. Modern historians believe that his death was caused by a combination of stroke and pneumonia. Bach's abilities as an organist were highly respected throughout Europe during his lifetime, although he was not widely recognised as a great composer until a revival of interest and performances of his music in the first half of the 19th century. He is now generally regarded as one of the main composers of the Baroque period, and as one of the greatest composers of all time.
0:00 Brandenburg Concerto #3 In G, BWV 1048 - 1. Allegro Moderato
5:36 Orchestral Suite #3 In D, BWV 1068 - 2. Air, "On The G String"
10:06 Orchestral Suite #2 In B Minor, BWV 1067 - Menuet & Badinerie
13:04 Sinfonia In G, BWV 1059R - 2. Adagio
16:11 Brandenburg Concerto #4 In G, BWV 1049 - 3. Presto
21:18 Concerto For Harpsichord & Strings In F Minor, BWV 1056 - 2. Largo
24:42 The Art Of The Fugue BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 9
27:48 Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079 - Fuga Canonica In Epidiapente
30:37 Toccata In D Minor, BWV 565
33:26 Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042 - 1. Allegro
40:58 Minuet In D Minor, BWV Anhang 132
42:14 Orchestral Suite #4 In D, BWV 1069 - Rejouissance
44:54 Christmas Oratorio - Sinfonia
50:32 Mass In B Minor BWV 232: Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Et In Terra Pax
56:15 St.Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Choral: O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wunden
59:27 St. John Passion BWV 245: Final Chorus - Rubet Wohl, Ihr Heiligen Gebeine