The Life and Music of Johann Sebastian Bach

This course is an in-depth study of Bach, his times, and his music. With an emphasis on the harmonic structure of Bach’s music, topics include canons, preludes and fugues, chorale preludes, sacred and secular cantatas, chamber works, concertos, and the canonical works of Bach’s last decade, as well as information about temperament and Baroque instruments. Class sessions will include slides, video clips of musical examples, and keyboard demonstrations.

The instructor will provide a 175-page take-home text.

Peter Griffin serves on the boards of Holbrook Community Foundation in Cundys Harbor, Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick, and Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ and Classical Uprising, both in Portland.