Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie) by J. S. Bach Sheet Music for Orchestra at Sheet Music Direct

Product Details

Title Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie)

Artist J. S. Bach

Score Type

PDF, Included with PASS

Composer J. S. Bach

Arranger James M. Guthrie

Format Digital Sheet Music

Pages 686

Arrangement Orchestra

Publisher jmsgu3

Level 4

Product ID 1762765

Genre Baroque Traditional Festival Contest Standards Historic

Performance Group String Orchestra

Product Description

Bach's inspiration for writing The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II (WTC II) around 1740 stemmed from several factors:

Educational purpose: Bach aimed to provide advanced pedagogical material for a new generation of students, including his younger children, who were aspiring composers.

Demonstration of compositional mastery: WTC II showcased Bach's unparalleled skill in exploring contrapuntal possibilities and adapting to changing musical tastes.

Continuation of a successful concept: The success of the first book, completed in 1722, likely motivated Bach to revisit the project and create a companion volume.
Evolving musical landscape: Bach sought to provide his students with more contrapuntal tools, even as this technique was losing ground to the more fashionable galant style.

Technological developments: Advancements in instrument tuning systems allowed Bach to compose in all major and minor keys, which he sought to demonstrate through this comprehensive work.

Artistic challenge: By creating preludes and fugues in all 24 keys, Bach sought to demonstrate that beautiful, characterful music could be composed in every key, thereby addressing concerns about well-tempered instruments.

The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II, completed around 1742, is a testament to Bach's commitment to musical education, innovation, and artistic excellence.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.