Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Here are some interesting facts about Johann Sebastian Bach's Organ Sonata No. 4 in E minor, BWV 528:
Composition Date: It's believed that Bach composed this sonata during his time in Leipzig, around the early 1720s.
Structure: BWV 528 is a three-movement work consisting of an opening Adagio, followed by a lively Allegro and concluding with a serene Andante.
Unique Instrumentation: The piece is scored for organ solo, which was a common format for Bach's organ sonatas.
Characteristics: Each movement showcases different moods and technical challenges, demonstrating Bach's mastery of counterpoint and organ idioms.
Adagio: The opening Adagio is marked by its poignant, expressive character, featuring intricate ornamentation and a contemplative atmosphere.
Allegro: The second movement, marked Allegro, contrasts with the Adagio by its lively and energetic nature. It showcases Bach's contrapuntal skill with intertwining melodic lines.
Andante: The concluding Andante is a beautiful, lyrical movement characterized by its graceful melody and gentle tempo, providing a serene conclusion to the sonata.
BWV 528 and Manuscript Copies: While there is only one surviving original manuscript of this sonata, there are several manuscript copies made by Bach's students and contemporaries, indicating its popularity among organists of the time.
Performance Challenges: This sonata presents technical challenges for organists due to its intricate passages, demanding ornamentation, and the need for precise articulation.
Legacy: BWV 528 is one among Bach's collection of organ works that continue to be studied, performed, and revered for their complexity, musical depth, and innovation in organ composition.
This organ sonata is a significant piece within Bach's oeuvre, showcasing his compositional genius and technical mastery of the organ.