Featured Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach is one of the most famous and important composers in the history of Western music. We will spend September and a good part of October talking about him and his music. Students of all ages can benefit from many of the following links and resources:
Module A: Mr. Bach Comes to Call
Children of all ages can delight in this story of a young girl doing her piano practice when she gets a surprise visitor - Mr. Bach himself! He talks to her about his life and music and encourages her to keep learning, with recordings of many of his most famous works woven throughout the story.
Listen for free on YouTube (may be subject to ads between tracks): Mr. Bach Comes to Call - YouTube Playlist
Purchase/stream on Amazon: Classical Kids Mr. Bach Comes to Call
Module B: About Bach
Reading:
- Piano Explorer p. 2-5
Listen:
Watch:
- Former student, age 10, performs a son/father set: Solfeggietto by C.P.E. Bach and Prelude in C Major by J.S. Bach
- FUN: Piano Guys surreal mash-up of Jackson 5, Bruno Mars, and J.S. Bach: "I Want You Bach"
Module C: Organ
Reading:
- Piano Explorer p. 8-9
Watch:
- "Little" Fugue in G Minor BWV 578
- Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (Dracula theme)
- FUN: giant foot piano version
- Star Wars Symphonic Suite on pipe organ
Module D: String/Vocal Pieces
Listen:
- Classics for Kids podcast: Brandenburg Concertos
- Unaccompanied Cello Suites: No. 1 in G Major
- FUN: Piano Guys: with SEVEN MORE CELLOS
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
- FUN: Muppets' Rowlf plays Jesu
Watch/Listen:
- Brandenburg Concerto #3 (CSULB Collegium Musicum 2016 - Tasha improvising opening cadenza on harpsichord)
- Movements II (harpsichord cadenza) & III
Module E: Keyboard Works
Fun Fact: when Tasha was 10 she went on the Gong Show and won - $317.69. Her act was cartwheeling onto the stage in a full tuxedo and performing Bach's Prelude in C Major. The footage is still on VHS at her parent's house but one day it may become publicly available :)
Listen/Watch:
- Parents & Advancing Students: What is a Fugue?
- WTC Book 2 Prelude & Fugue in Bb Major: Tasha, 2010 performance at Steinway Gallery in Hollywood, CA (pre-university study)
- WTC Book 1 Prelude & Fugue in d#/eb minor: Tasha, B.M. Senior Recital, 2013
- FUN: Prelude in C Major from WTC 1 on Boomwhackers