Composed during Bach's early years, this keyboard work reflects the Baroque tradition of programmatic music, illustrating the emotional stages of parting with a loved one.
This early Bach keyboard work, nicknamed "On the departure of a beloved brother", contains programmatic elements unusual for Baroque music, with movements depicting friends' attempts at persuasion and a postilion's horn calls.
Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother (BWV 992) is Johann Sebastian Bach's early programmatic keyboard work depicting his brother Johann Jakob's departure for military service. The Adagissimo movement represents a heartfelt farewell scene through its poignant minor-key lament. This arrangement adapts the movement for solo guitar, transposed to E minor.
This early Bach work, "Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother," is a programmatic suite expressing emotions around his brother Johann Jacob's departure. The Adagissimo movement conveys deep sorrow through its slow, lament-like character, originally written for keyboard but often arranged for other instruments.
This capriccio, subtitled "On the Departure of a Beloved Brother", was written when Bach's brother Johann Jakob left for Sweden.
It is one of his few early programmatic works, featuring musical depictions of travel and farewell.
