We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Johann Sebastian Bach – The Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Ricercare
How did a royal challenge inspire Bach to create this musical masterpiece? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Johann Sebastian Bach's "Musikalisches Opfer," BWV 1079, also known as the "Musical Offering," is a significant work in the Baroque period. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Dedication to Frederick the Great: Bach composed the "Musical Offering" as a result of his meeting with King Frederick II of Prussia in 1747. The king played a theme for Bach and challenged him to improvise a fugue on it. Bach took up the challenge and later dedicated the complete work to Frederick.
Ricercare and Canons: The "Musical Offering" consists of a ricercare, a form of a highly developed fugue, and various canons. The ricercare is considered one of the most complex fugues ever written. The canons, particularly the crab canon, where the music can be played backward and still make musical sense, showcase Bach's compositional ingenuity.
Royal Theme: The theme given to Bach by King Frederick II, known as the "Royal Theme" or "King's Theme," serves as the basis for the entire work. Bach explores this theme through various intricate and contrapuntal structures.
Inscription on the Score: Bach inscribed the score with the Latin phrase "Regis Iussu Cantio Et Reliqua Canonica Arte Resoluta" (The King's directive, the song and the rest resolved with canonic art). This inscription highlights the canonic nature of the work and its connection to the King's challenge.
Chamber Music and Keyboard Settings: The "Musical Offering" is unique in Bach's repertoire as it includes chamber music settings, such as trio sonatas, in addition to keyboard settings. This reflects Bach's versatility in composing for different instrumental combinations.
Symbolic Elements: The work is known for its symbolic elements, with Bach incorporating mathematical and numerological concepts into the composition. This reflects the intellectual and artistic depth characteristic of his late works.
Legacy: Bach's "Musical Offering" is regarded as a pinnacle of contrapuntal and mathematical complexity. It has inspired musicians and composers throughout history and continues to be studied and admired for its technical brilliance and emotional depth.