Over the next 25 years he continued to add to his massive repertoire. The Christmas Oratorio, St. Matthew’s Passion and Well-Tempered Clavier Part 2 are a few examples of some of his major works. In 1729, he obtained a position as the director of Leipzig’s music club. He wrote music for the orchestra and they performed once a week (Koster). He was immersed in music until the year before his death. His last great work, the B minor Mass was finished in 1749 (Koster). At the end of his career, Bach suffered failing health and failed eyesight from the time spent writing music in poor light. On July 28, 1750, at the age of 65, Bach suffered a stroke at home and died a few hours later (Pniewski, par. 16). His extensive musical career was over. But, his musical influence was not over, it spans the generations.
During Bach’s lifetime he was known as an organ and keyboard virtuoso and composer. After his death, perceptions of his greatness changed slightly. In the 1800s, he was acknowledged as the “first Classicist” (Pniewski, par. 22) because he died …show more content…
He was very versatile in many styles and techniques. One example of his technique is counterpoint in which each hand has its own separate voice or melody. It requires concentration and quick fingers. His inventions are commonly used for piano education. Arlene Steffan, MM, who is an adjunct teacher at Fresno Pacific University, discuss’ Bach’s two-part inventions which “take several skills: analysis, coordination, stylistic articulation and, most importantly, the ability to listen in layers” (“This and That”, 30). A research article on the harmony patterns in classical music found “Bach 's harmony patterns were having the most influence on those used by other composers, followed closely by Mozart” (Wu, et al. 1). Because of the difficult structure in Bach’s pieces, they are used as a standard in musical education and by musicians who follow his
During Bach’s lifetime he was known as an organ and keyboard virtuoso and composer. After his death, perceptions of his greatness changed slightly. In the 1800s, he was acknowledged as the “first Classicist” (Pniewski, par. 22) because he died …show more content…
He was very versatile in many styles and techniques. One example of his technique is counterpoint in which each hand has its own separate voice or melody. It requires concentration and quick fingers. His inventions are commonly used for piano education. Arlene Steffan, MM, who is an adjunct teacher at Fresno Pacific University, discuss’ Bach’s two-part inventions which “take several skills: analysis, coordination, stylistic articulation and, most importantly, the ability to listen in layers” (“This and That”, 30). A research article on the harmony patterns in classical music found “Bach 's harmony patterns were having the most influence on those used by other composers, followed closely by Mozart” (Wu, et al. 1). Because of the difficult structure in Bach’s pieces, they are used as a standard in musical education and by musicians who follow his