J.S. Bach: Life and Works - 2/2

Stunningly filmed in locations throughout central Germany, "J.S. Bach: Life and Works" sets a new standard for artful filming of music performance. A rare DVD featuring excellent performances of a variety of Bach works in the context of locations the music was intended for: churches and castles. Includes the first filmed performance on the recently reconstructed Wender organ in Arnstadt where Bach worked early in his career. Extra features include a 21-minute documentary film on the life and work of J.S. Bach, narrated in five languages (English, German, Spanish, French & Japanese).

Program:

- Toccata & Fugue in D minor BWV 565 (Gottfried Preller, organ; Bach Church, Arnstadt; Wender organ reconstructed by Otto Hoffmann Orgelbau of Ostheim)

- Cantata "Gott ist mein König" BWV 71 (Telemann-Kammerorchester and Choir; St. Mary's Church, Mühlhausen)

- Concerto in C BWV 984 after Johann Ernst von Sachsen-Weimar (Christine Schornsheim, harpsichord; Weimar Castle)

- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major BWV 1048 (Telemann-Kammerorchester; Köthen Castle)

- Motet "Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf" BWV 226 (Thomanerchor Leipzig, conducted by Thomaskantor Georg Christoph Biller; St. Thomas Church, Leipzig)

- Excerpts from "The Art of Fugue" BWV 1080 (Dresden String Trio; Old Bourse, Leipzig)

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• johann
• sebastian
• bach
• life
• and
• works

[Askelairlines747]

the best composer on earth for ever

[SopranoLutju]

Thank u for posting. J.S.Bach is one of my most favorite composers ever. He was the genius one.

[ilrubo89]

Where do you find this video??? :-)

[ELENAFOGLE]

Great !

[1985Ferris]

@kniphofia Yes, we do!

[kniphofia]

Atheists like Bach too!

[haydn4ever]

cont'd from above........Often we will never know unless we ask Bach directly.....However, what is most important is that we carry on a well thought out, fact based, discussion! Well done! I honestly have never read such impressive comments! I know the two of you probably aren't as impressed, as each want to make a point........but WOW!  You Both made points, and it's obvious both have done your homework! Thanks for the additional info, and clarifications.........and knowledge!

[haydn4ever]

wow! I just found this documentary and began reading the text. Thanks for opening my eyes, (as an adult, thank you!), and reminding me that we can't always believe everything we read or hear!

Wcbroccoli, and AML2000, I am totally amazed at the background knowledge you have, and the professional way in which you carried out your debate! The conversation between the two of you is almost more interesting than the documentary! Bravo! It's not always who's right or wrong....

[wcbroccoli]

In 1716 Ernst August married the sister of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Coethen & likely helped Bach get the job as Leopold's capellmeister in 1717.

Both dukes regarded Bach as their top court musician; he was the most highly paid member of the capelle.

But with Bach's promotion in 1714 to concertmaster "with official rank below that of Vice-Capellmeister Drese" it was already apparent that Drese was next in line to succeed his father as capellmeister.

[wcbroccoli]

Even though Wilhelm Ernst (1662-1728) and his brother Johann Ernst III (1664-1707) ruled jointly, Wilhelm had statutory seniority because he was older.

Wilhelm's seniority prevailed in 1709 when his nephew Ernst August became co-regent.

[wcbroccoli]

Johann Ernst III died in 1707, leaving minor sons Ernst August (1688-1748) and Johann Ernst IV (1696-1715) from 2 marriages. In 1709, when he turned 21, Ernst August became co-regent with his uncle Wilhelm Ernst. Johann Ernst IV died in 1717 when he was only 18. Had he lived another 3 years, he would have become co-regent along with his 1/2 brother and uncle!

[wcbroccoli]

I doubt there's any real evidence that Johann Ernst III was alcoholic, as this is a medical condition unknown in a time when everyone regularly consumed beer and wine. I assume he simply prefered to leave administrative tasks to Wilhelm while he (Johann) focused on rebuilding the court capelle from 1683 onward, after their father had dissolved it some 20 years earlier. He began by hiring Johann Samuel Drese as capellmeister and Johann Effler as organist. Bach worked for him briefly in 1703.