Johann Sebastian Bach: His Life, Art, and Work (1802) by Johann Nikolaus Forkel
There are many books on Baroque music out there today, but I think that sometimes it's good to read the "classics". Forkel was Bach's official biographer, and wrote one of the most enlightening and informative books on Bach's life, music, and playing style. It is not like a modern book of today, where the author is looking backwards at information from a purely subjective viewpoint.
This book was written by someone who was in direct correspondence with Bach's friends and family, including his sons C.P.E. Bach and W.F. Bach. We therefore get descriptive accounts of Bach's personal character and playing style that paint a picture of this great composer.
This book was written by someone who was in direct correspondence with Bach's friends and family, including his sons C.P.E. Bach and W.F. Bach. We therefore get descriptive accounts of Bach's personal character and playing style that paint a picture of this great composer.
At just about 300 pages, this book makes for a pretty quick read. I encourage you to read through and I'd love to know what you think, or if you learn anything that particularly fascinates you. If you wish to delve into the mind and fingers of a Baroque musician, then this book is a great place to start.
Below are a couple of excerpts that I personally find fascinating, which are found in chapter III, Bach as a Clavier Player. Here Forkel describes Bach's technique and why it was so efficient.
Below are a couple of excerpts that I personally find fascinating, which are found in chapter III, Bach as a Clavier Player. Here Forkel describes Bach's technique and why it was so efficient.
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