How did Bach demonstrate his contrapuntal mastery in these variations written for his admission to Mizler's Music Society? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
The Canonic Variations on "Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her" represent one of Bach's final major organ works, composed when he was 62 years old. These five variations showcase Bach's supreme mastery of counterpoint, with each variation employing different canonic techniques. The work was created as Bach's entry piece for Mizler's Music Society, a learned society that required members to submit a composition demonstrating their musical science. The variations progress from simple canons to increasingly complex contrapuntal structures, culminating in a magnificent five-voice finale that combines the chorale melody with intricate canonic writing.