大象传媒

Donald Macleod examines what we know of Bach's earliest influences.

Johann Sebastian Bach, who is now almost universally recognised as one of the giants of classical music, was not always so celebrated. In his own lifetime he received some public recognition but this contrasted with his regular complaints of unjust humiliations at the hands of his contemporaries and his employers. Was the composer hard done by or were these problems of his own making? In this week of programmes, Donald Macleod tries to get to the heart of Bach鈥檚 character, warts and all, through five different periods in the composer鈥檚 life. We鈥檒l be hearing from some of Bach鈥檚 most glorious music, as Donald ponders what the composer鈥檚 character might mean for our understanding of the man and his art.

Today, Donald explores some of Bach鈥檚 formative childhood experiences including his schooling, the death of his father and a fortunate incident with a pair of fish heads!

Ein Feste Berg ist unser Gott, BWV 80 (Opening Chorus)
Monteverdi Choir
John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

Coffee Cantata, BWV 211 - 鈥淗at man nicht mit seinen Kindern鈥�
Brett Polegato (Baritone)
Tafelmusik
Jeanne Lamon (conductor)

Capriccio in E Major, BWV 993
Sviatoslav Richter (piano)

Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV1041
Rachel Podger (violin)
Brecon Baroque

Sonata in A minor, BWV 965, after Reincken
Richard Egarr (harpsichord)

Producer: Sam Phillips