Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
The Fugue in G minor, BWV Anh. 106, is often attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, but there is some debate among scholars about its actual composer. This fugue is part of a collection known as the "Little" or "Anna Magdalena" Notebook, which is a compilation of keyboard music that Bach presented to his second wife, Anna Magdalena Wilcken.
Here are some interesting facts about the Fugue in G minor, BWV Anh. 106:
Authorship Debate: While the piece is commonly associated with Bach, its authorship is not definitively established. Some scholars believe that the fugue might have been composed by another member of the Bach family, possibly Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach or one of Bach's sons.
Anna Magdalena Notebook: This collection of music was compiled by Bach for his second wife, Anna Magdalena. It includes various keyboard pieces, including minuets, polonaises, and other dance forms, along with some short fugues.
Pedagogical Purpose: The Anna Magdalena Notebook was likely intended as a teaching tool for Bach's family, especially for his musically inclined children. It served as a way to educate them in the art of keyboard playing and composition.
Structure: The Fugue in G minor is a contrapuntal piece, adhering to the principles of fugue composition. It features a single subject or theme that is introduced and then imitated by voices entering successively.
Bar Form: The fugue is structured in a binary form, meaning it has two distinct sections. The first section presents the fugue subject in different voices, and the second section develops and explores the musical material further.
Character: The Fugue in G minor has a somber and serious character typical of many Baroque fugues. The minor key contributes to its melancholic mood, and the strict contrapuntal writing showcases Bach's mastery of polyphony.
Educational Significance: Many of Bach's works, including those found in the Anna Magdalena Notebook, are considered educational compositions. They provide a valuable resource for students and musicians to study counterpoint and fugue writing.
While the exact origins of the Fugue in G minor, BWV Anh. 106, remain uncertain, it remains a fascinating piece within the context of Bach's pedagogical contributions and his dedication to the musical education of his family.