Glenn Gould - Bach, Fugue in E-flat major & Cantata "Widerstehe doch der Sünde" (OFFICIAL)

Summary

In this enlightening program by Glenn Gould, the focus is on the extraordinary, misunderstood genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. The script highlights how Bach's music, despite its magnetic appeal today, was considered outdated by his contemporaries. The program explores Bach's nonconformity, contrasting it with the rise of a new musical era that sought rationalism and logic, embodied by composers like Joseph Haydn. Through an in-depth discussion of Bach's musical complexity, the program emphasizes his independence and how his music defies the trends of his time, offering a timeless expression of human experience and spiritual depth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Glenn Gould presents a profound reflection on Bach's music and its impact on contemporary music.
• 😀 Bach's music, though groundbreaking today, was largely misunderstood and dismissed by his contemporaries.
• 😀 Contrary to being 'ahead of his time,' Bach's music was actually considered outdated in his era.
• 😀 Bach's music represents a profound nonconformity, rejecting the musical trends of his day.
• 😀 The era of Bach was marked by a struggle between the rational enlightenment ideals and mystical beliefs, which is reflected in his music.
• 😀 After Bach's death, composers like Joseph Haydn came to be seen as the true masters, with their music reflecting a shift toward clarity and simplicity.
• 😀 The Classical era focused on clear, logical musical forms, such as the symphony and sonata, unlike Bach’s intricate harmonic language.
• 😀 Bach’s music, in contrast to his sons' compositions, emphasizes complex harmonic structures and the suspension of linear motion.
• 😀 The focus of musical activity shifted from the church to the theater, aligning with the emerging rationalistic worldview of the time.
• 😀 Bach’s Cantata No. 54, 'Stand firm against sin,' represents the ongoing tension between man’s spiritual struggle and the temptations of the world.
• 😀 Bach’s music, especially in works like his cantatas, reflects the intense drama of human life, transcending mere intellectual or artistic expression.

Q & A

What was unusual about Bach's music during his own time?

Bach's music was considered outdated during his lifetime. It was regarded as old-fashioned by the standards of his contemporaries, who were moving toward more modern musical styles.

How did Bach differ from the artistic norms of his era?

Bach was a musical nonconformist, withdrawing into a nostalgic embrace of older musical traditions rather than adapting to the emerging trends of his time, which emphasized logical and scientific principles in music.

What does the narrator mean by Bach being 'one of the supreme examples of artistic independence'?

The narrator highlights Bach's refusal to conform to the artistic conventions of his time, showing his unique ability to maintain an independent artistic conscience outside of the collective historical trends.

How does the narrator describe the 'Age of Reason' in relation to Bach's time?

The 'Age of Reason' was a period of intellectual and scientific progress, characterized by man's struggle against fear and the embracing of logic. This era's optimism and rationality starkly contrasted with Bach's complex, emotionally-driven music.

What is suggested about the shift in musical focus after Bach's death?

After Bach's death, the focus of music shifted from the church to the theater, with composers like Joseph Haydn championing a more rational and logical approach to music, centered on human interaction rather than divine communication.

How did the music of Bach’s sons differ from Bach's own compositions?

Bach's sons, like C.P.E. Bach and Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, embraced a simpler, more symmetrical form of music, which was influenced by Enlightenment ideals. Their compositions reflected a more rational, human-focused approach compared to the rich complexity of Bach's own work.

What did Bach's harmonic style bring to the music of his time?

Bach's music was known for its complex and richly layered harmonic motion, a characteristic that set it apart from the simpler, more predictable tonal structures emerging in the 18th century.

What is the significance of the cantata 'Stand Firm Against Sin'?

The cantata 'Stand Firm Against Sin' (BWV 54) explores the theme of resisting temptation. Its music conveys an intense, urgent emotional expression, underscoring Bach's deep spiritual engagement with human struggle and moral fortitude.

Why is Bach's music considered to have a unique 'sense of motion'?

Bach’s music is characterized by a continuous, flowing development, where the sense of motion remains constant throughout, giving it an enduring sense of purpose and inevitability that aligns with his spiritual and philosophical worldview.

What does the narrator mean when they say that Bach's music offers 'great moments' but not 'great surprises'?

The narrator suggests that Bach’s music is filled with remarkable technical achievements and deeply moving moments, but it is not typically surprising in terms of sudden changes in direction or mood. Instead, its greatness lies in its sustained development and coherence.