Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 2012
Abstract
Devoted to the art and science of technique, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is a celebrated master of the musical genres of the time, except for opera. Based on his musical upbringing and his independent attitude, there exists a possibility that Bach had the propensity to be an operatic composer. An exploration into this perspective leads us to wonder: Why did Bach never become an opera composer? Are there operatic features present in non-operatic works? What factors might have affected his inclination toward operatic composition? An investigation into professional development and influences from his early days in Arnstadt to his mature years in Leipzig, reveals a number of opportunities for Bach to assimilate operatic expressive devices. Such occasions include examples from the monumental St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244), the secular cantata BWV 211, "Schwegt stille, plaudert nicht" (recognized as the Coffee Cantata), and the drama per musica BWV 201, "Der Streit zwischen Phoebus und Pan," with three texts written by Christian Friedrich Henrici (1700-1764), who is known as 'Picander.' Despite having been contracted for work in other genres, these pieces, produced during the greatly prolific time in Leipzig, exemplify Bach's mastery of operatic writing.
Recommended Citation
Clark, Hilary, "Bach and Opera: Is It Possible?" (2012). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 110.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/110
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Link is to abstract only.