Why did Bach expand his short Latin Mass into the monumental B Minor Mass near the end of his life? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
The Mass in B minor is considered one of the greatest choral works of all time. Bach compiled and composed it over many years, completing it around 1749. Unlike his weekly church cantatas, this was a monumental, abstract work of art, seemingly written for its own sake and for posterity rather than a specific occasion. It represents a summation of his writing for voice, combining stunningly diverse styles from strict counterpoint to operatic duets.