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Why Bach’s music is indestructible, whether on the mandolin, modern piano
The German composer, born 341 years ago, dominates the classical charts and concert platforms, especially at this time of year. Here’s to his life-giving zombie music!
TL;DR
- Bach's music dominates classical charts and performances, especially around Easter.
- His compositions are described with contrasting terms like 'zombie' (indestructible and adaptable) and 'meat-grinder' (viscerally emotional).
- Bach's instrumental music can survive arrangement, recomposition, and reimagination while still communicating its essence.
- Examples of its adaptability include transcriptions for saxophone quartet, Wendy Carlos's synths, Leopold Stokowski's orchestrations, and use in film soundtracks.
- Even modern performances on instruments Bach never knew, like the piano, are considered transcriptions that keep the music alive in the present.
- Chris Thile's mandolin performances of Bach's solo violin works, recorded in public spaces, exemplify bringing Bach's music into the center of everyday life.
- Bach's music is seen as capable of sustaining multiple meanings and surviving diverse interpretations, from spiritual solace to inspiration for serial killers.