Johann Sebastian Bach: The Culmination of An Era

by Karl Geiringer

This basic, one-volume study of Johann Sebastian Bach combines a sensitive biographical sketch with a detailed analysis of each of his major types of composition, including vocal music, organ music, keyboard music, and instrumental music. In each section, Geiringer thoroughly examines many Bach compositions and evaluates them in relation to the rest of the composer's work, as well as in relation to the music of his contemporaries. More than seventy musical examples enable the reader to understand how Bach worked and to observe his music in various stages of completion. In addition, an interesting aspect of research methods is revealed through an explanation of the techniques used in studying handwriting, paper, and watermarks in the original sources.

Genres: Music, Biography

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Alberto M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction, for non-professionals, to the life & works of the great Kapellmeister. The style of the "Life" part is very clear, perhaps dry but nonetheless involving. Geiringer describes Bach's virtues and vices, avoiding any hagiographic temptation. The German version also includes many documents of the era in original language, which add flavour to the biography (alas, no idea if also the earlier American edition contains these).

The "Works" part gives an overview of the production of Johann Sebastian, allowing to get a grasp of how immense and versatile his talent was. In "only" 400 pages there is no opportunity for deep analyses; still, Geiringer dedicates space (from one paragraph to some pages) to the most representative works of each category, describing their basic traits and sometimes showing brief score excerpts to better illustrate their characteristics. While such presentations can only work as a first acquaitance with the pieces, they nonetheless succeed in arousing the curiosity of the reader, leaving him the desire to actually listen to them.

In conclusion, as a Bach amateur, I found the book very stimulating, and I think the size of the book is perfect for a relatively agile, but not superficial, presentation of this great composer.

[Robin Damgaard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This functions more as a brief biography of Bach as an introduction to his music; it's not a very engaging read.

[Douglas Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of J. S. Bach.