Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548720 Composed by Martin Luther. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Easter,Instructional,Standards. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3411755. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548720). Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther. The first verses feature modified counterpoint and harmony proceeding at quarter = 82. The final verse is reharmonized for maximum dramatic effect at a more contemplative tempo such as quarter = 64. Features the entire range of the instrument. Very powerful selection for Lent or Easter. Duration (3 verses) 3:05, 36 ms. Score: 3 pg. Solo part: 1 pg. The piano reads from the score. Out of the Depths Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (From deep affliction I cry out to you), is, of course, a hymn composed by Martin Luther. Moreover, Luther also wrote the lyrics, essentially a paraphrase of Psalm 130. First published in 1524, it is also one of eight songs in the original Lutheran hymnal. It appears likewise in many hymnals and in different translations. The lyrics furthermore stimulated compositions from the Renaissance to the contemporary. Consequently, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach built an entire chorale cantata on it. Other composers similarly contributed pieces, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Max Reger. Luther Background Martin Luther, (1483 –1546) was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and moreover, an influential character in the Protestant Reformation. Luther had a momentous impact on church and society due to his contributions to the musical arts. He wanted to disseminate the gospel among mankind and with this intention thought that the best way to do that was through music. Influence It is important to realize that other musicians, and their descendants, were encouraged by Luther’s songs and wrote their own hymns. Luther, to be sure, had a thorough musical education. For example, he knew secular and sacred songs from an early age. He, in particular, played the lute well and sang in the monastery when he was a monk. That is to say, music was an essential part of his life. He in fact first began writing songs in 1523, sometimes writing the melody as well as the lyrics. Luther was certainly able to evaluate the composers of his time. He thought especially highly of Josquin des and Ludwig Senfl. He was also acquainted, with this in mind, with other composers and their works. Legacy The Lutheran musical ethos soon covered all of Germany and later significantly fashioned Protestant musical culture. Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach are the most compelling evidence of this Protestant musical culture. Additionally, as a point often overlooked, the pedal organ, first refined in northern Germany, became universally prevalent. As a matter of fact, Dieterich Buxtehude established a regular evening organ concert series in Lübeck. Another key point is that this concert series, in turn, spread North German Musical ideas worldwide. Luther was especially convinced that music is a beautiful and exclusive offering of the divine.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549256 Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #3473699. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549256). Flight of the Bumblebee from Korsakov's Tale of Tsar Saltan Score: 9 pages, Solo part: 3 pages, Piano accompaniment part: 3 pages. Duration: ca. 1:15 Amaze your listeners with this short but stunning recital encore! Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee Flight of the Bumblebee is, to be sure, an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Korsakov, of course, intended to musically portray the chaotic flying pattern of a bumblebee. Nowadays, this piece is one of the comparatively more famous classical works because it frequently appears from time to time in popular culture. In the opera, the piece appears notably at the close of Act III, Tableau 1. This is when the magic Swan-Bird, in fact, changes the Prince (the son of the Tsar) into a bee so he can fly away to visit his father. Interestingly, at this point in the drama, his father, in effect, does not know that he is alive.   Korsakov Background Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908) was a uniquely famous composer from Russia. He was likewise a member of an infamous assembly of composers called The Five. Korsakov was furthermore an expert in orchestration. His correspondingly most famous orchestral compositions-Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture, and the Scheherazade suite-are important monuments of the standard music repertoire.  Also, comparatively very important are his suites and excerpts from his 15 operas. Korsakov was moreover fond of using Russian folklore and fairy tales in his music, such as Scheherazade.  Nationalistic Style Korsakov believed, similarly to fellow outspoken composer Balakirev, in creating a nationalistic, Russia-centric style of classical music. The new style was in fact called Orientalism. It similarly relied on native Russian materials, exotic scales, and experimental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic procedures. This practice, conversely, ran counter to the developments in Western musical culture. Musical Developments Nevertheless, Korsakov developed an appreciation of Western musical techniques after he became a professor of musical composition, harmony, and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. Moreover, he undertook a rigorous three-year program of self-education and mastered Western methods, incorporating them in conjunction with the influences of Mikhail Glinka and other members of The Five. His techniques of composition and orchestration were additionally enriched by his exposure to the works of Richard Wagner. Naval Service Korsakov combined his music career accordingly with a career in the Russian military. He was in the first place an officer in the Russian Navy. In due time, he was appointed as a civilian Inspector of Naval Bands. As a result, Korsakov expanded his knowledge of woodwind and brass playing, which in turn heightened his capabilities in orchestration. Legacy Korsakov in due time contributed a significant number of Russian nationalist works. He also prepared, from time to time, compositions by The Five for presentation. This brought their works straightaway into the active classical repertoire as well. He also shaped an entire generation of younger composers during his time as a music educator. Therefore, music historians consider Korsakov as the foremost engineer of what the public considers to be the Russian style of composition. He served, all in all, as a transitional figure between The Five and the classically trained composers who became the norm over time. In addition to the Russians, he forthwith influenced non-Russian composers such as Ravel, Debussy, Dukas, and Respighi.  

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549421 Composed by Antonin Dvorak. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #3494001. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549421). Score: 7 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Duration: 4:25 Not difficult, but requires sensitivity & dynamic control. Suitable for recitals, church meditations, or school programs. Dvořák Background Antonín Dvořák (1841 –1904) was, of course, a composer from Czechoslovakia. As a matter of fact, he was among the first Bohemian composers to attain universal recognition. It is important to realize that the late Romantic Nationalist period featured composers who used traditional and folk elements to portray the character of their nation. In particular, we see this in the music of Grieg (Norway), Finland (Sibelius), and Smetana (Bohemia).  Dvořák relied markedly on rhythms and other characteristics of Moravian and Bohemian folk music. Ascent to Fame Dvořák was truly a child musical prodigy on the violin. The premiere performances of his compositions notably occurred in 1872 and 1873. He submitted his First Symphony in particular to a German competition, but it failed to win. Consequently, in 1874 he presented two more symphonies to the Austrian State Prize for Composition. Johannes Brahms was the principal of the jury and was accordingly very impressed. They forthwith awarded the prize to Dvořák in 1874, 1876, and 1877. At this point, Brahms thereupon endorsed Dvořák to the publisher Simrock. Later, the publisher commissioned Dvořák to compose the Slavonic Dances, Op. 46. These became popular overnight and, as a result, Dvořák's worldwide status was launched. International Status Dvořák visited England upon invitation nine times. On each visit, he frequently conducted performances of his own compositions. He conducted concerts of his music, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Eventually, the Prague Conservatory in fact appointed Dvořák as a professor. There, to be sure, he wrote his famous Dumky Trio. United States Consequently, the National Conservatory of Music of America appointed him as director in 1892. As a result, Dvořák composed his two most famous symphonic works: the Symphony No. 9 (From the New World), which spread his name universally, and his Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, one of the most famous of all cello works. Moreover, he wrote his most celebrated American String Quartet during this time. At the same time, because of his growing recognition in Europe and his homesickness for his own country, he left to return to Bohemia in 1895.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549556 Composed by Edvard Grieg. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards,World. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3507669. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549556). Duration: ca. 3:20, Score: 10 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. A delicate masterpiece, not very difficult - suitable for a recital encore. Grieg Background In the first place, Edvard Grieg (1843 –1907) was a Norwegian composer as well as a concert pianist. As a matter of fact, most music historians consider him one of the foremost Romantic era composers. Consequently, his music is part of the international standard classical repertoire. Grieg moreover used Norwegian folk music in his own compositions.  Consequently, he ushered Norwegian music to transnational consciousness. Furthermore, he forged a national musical identity for Norway. It is important to realize that he did this in a manner similar to Jean Sibelius in Finland, and BedÅ™ich Smetana in Bohemia. Legacy Grieg is especially celebrated in the city of Bergen. For example, the city has erected numerous statues depicting Grieg. Specifically, the city has named a concert hall (Grieg Hall), a music school (Grieg Academy) and a professional choir (Edvard Grieg Kor) after him. As a matter of fact, there is also a museum located at his former home in Troldhaugen. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 (Op. 46) Grieg wrote incidental music for the purpose of illustrating a play by Ibsen known as Peer Gynt. The play includes, in particular, the famous selection entitled, In the Hall of the Mountain King. In this composition, Grieg indeed depicts the exploits of the scoundrel, Peer Gynt. In one famous episode, for example, Peer steals a bride at her wedding. For this reason, the people chase him, but soon Peer falls, thereupon striking his skull on a boulder. He wakens forthwith in a highland bounded by angry gnomes. Consequently, the music of In the Hall of the Mountain King represents the mad gnomes taunting Peer. Therefore, each time the theme repeats it gets louder and faster. In the end, Peer surprisingly escapes from the mountain. Holberg Suite and Misc. Summary It must be remembered that Grieg originally wrote his Holberg Suite for the piano. In other words, he only later arranged it for strings. Further, Grieg composed by and large many songs with lyrics by famous writers such as Heine, Goethe, Ibsen, Hans Christian Andersen, Rudyard Kipling, and others. On balance, Norwegian pianist Eva Knardahl recorded altogether Grieg’s whole piano catalog on LP in 1980. These recordings were released again on CD in 2006. In any event, Grieg himself performed and recorded the bulk of these pieces toward the end of his life.Register for free lifetime revisions and updates at www.jamesguthrie.com

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549535 Composed by Edvard Grieg. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Contemporary,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3505869. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549535). Duration: ca. 3:40, Score: 5 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Super-famous instantly recognizable tune, not very difficult - suitable for a recital, funeral or church meditation. Grieg Background In the first place, Edvard Grieg (1843 –1907) was a Norwegian composer as well as a concert pianist. As a matter of fact, most music historians consider him one of the foremost Romantic era composers. Consequently, his music is part of the international standard classical repertoire. Grieg moreover used Norwegian folk music in his own compositions.  Consequently, he ushered Norwegian music to transnational consciousness. Furthermore, he forged a national musical identity for Norway. It is important to realize that he did this in a manner similar to Jean Sibelius in Finland, and BedÅ™ich Smetana in Bohemia. Legacy Grieg is especially celebrated in the city of Bergen. For example, the city has erected numerous statues depicting Grieg. Specifically, the city has named a concert hall (Grieg Hall), a music school (Grieg Academy) and a professional choir (Edvard Grieg Kor) after him. As a matter of fact, there is also a museum located at his former home in Troldhaugen. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 (Op. 46) Grieg wrote incidental music for the purpose of illustrating a play by Ibsen known as Peer Gynt. The play includes, in particular, the famous selection entitled, In the Hall of the Mountain King. In this composition, Grieg indeed depicts the exploits of the scoundrel, Peer Gynt. In one famous episode, for example, Peer steals a bride at her wedding. For this reason, the people chase him, but soon Peer falls, thereupon striking his skull on a boulder. He wakens forthwith in a highland bounded by angry gnomes. Consequently, the music of In the Hall of the Mountain King represents the mad gnomes taunting Peer. Therefore, each time the theme repeats it gets louder and faster. In the end, Peer surprisingly escapes from the mountain. Holberg Suite and Misc. Summary It must be remembered that Grieg originally wrote his Holberg Suite for the piano. In other words, he only later arranged it for strings. Further, Grieg composed by and large many songs with lyrics by famous writers such as Heine, Goethe, Ibsen, Hans Christian Andersen, Rudyard Kipling, and others. On balance, Norwegian pianist Eva Knardahl recorded altogether Grieg’s whole piano catalog on LP in 1980. These recordings were released again on CD in 2006. In any event, Grieg himself performed and recorded the bulk of these pieces toward the end of his life.   Register for free lifetime revisions and updates at www.jamesguthrie.com.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1039646 Composed by N. Rimsky Korsakov. Arranged by Raymond Fenech. Contest,Festival,Film/TV,Holiday,Opera,Romantic Period. Score and part. 25 pages. Raymond Fenech #644559. Published by Raymond Fenech (A0.1039646). Flight of the Bumblebee (Russian: Полёт шмел�) is an orchestral interlude written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, composed in 1899–1900. Its composition is intended to musically evoke the seemingly chaotic and rapidly changing flying pattern of a bumblebee. Despite the piece's being a rather incidental part of the opera, it is today one of the more familiar classical works because of its frequent use in popular culture. The piece closes Act III, Tableau 1, during which the magic Swan-Bird changes Prince Gvidon Saltanovich (the Tsar's son) into an insect so that he can fly away to visit his father (who does not know that he is alive). The duration of this is 2.07 minutes and it is a difficult level piece.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550932 Composed by J. S. Bach - Gounod. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas,Easter,Wedding. Score and part. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #4888739. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550932). This arrangement features the controversial Schwencke measure (ms. 27) that was originally introduced in 1783 by Christian Friedrich Gottlieb Schwencke. The convenient 1st & 2nd endings provide an option for extended performance. Duration with repeat - 4:50. Score: 6 pages. Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 4 pages. Based on Prelude #1 in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. Well suited for church meditations or school programs or recital encores.  Ave Maria Ave Maria is a Catholic prayer that consequently asks for the mother of Jesus (Mary) to intercede. Charles Gounod composed a famous version of the Ave Maria. He was a French Romantic composer who overlaid a new melody on an existing Bach chord progression. The progression is from Bach’s Prelude No. 1 from Well-Tempered Clavier I. This version, as well as Schubert’s version, have become essential items at weddings, masses, and funerals. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as a court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created an engaging new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Onboard are phonograph records with sounds, music, and images of life on Earth. The purpose of the launch was to inform intelligent extraterrestrial life forms about conditions on Earth. The music on the disc is varied. There is Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky among others. However, because Bach is so important in our music history, it contains three times more Bach than all the others combined.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549513 Composed by Edvard Grieg. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 17 pages. Jmsgu3 #3502547. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549513). Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 9 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. Super-famous Instantly recognizable tune, not very difficult - suitable for a recital or church meditation. Grieg Background In the first place, Edvard Grieg (1843 –1907) was a Norwegian composer as well as a concert pianist. As a matter of fact, most music historians consider him one of the foremost Romantic-era composers. Consequently, his music is part of the international standard classical repertoire. Grieg moreover used Norwegian folk music in his own compositions.  Consequently, he ushered Norwegian music to transnational consciousness. Furthermore, he forged a national musical identity for Norway. It is important to realize that he did this in a manner similar to Jean Sibelius in Finland, and Bedřich Smetana in Bohemia. Legacy Grieg is especially celebrated in the city of Bergen. For example, the city has erected numerous statues depicting Grieg. Specifically, the city has named a concert hall (Grieg Hall), a music school (Grieg Academy), and a professional choir (Edvard Grieg Kor) after him. As a matter of fact, there is also a museum located at his former home in Troldhaugen. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 (Op. 46) Grieg wrote incidental music for the purpose of illustrating a play by Ibsen known as Peer Gynt. The play includes, in particular, the famous selection entitled, In the Hall of the Mountain King. In this composition, Grieg depicts the exploits of the scoundrel, Peer Gynt. In one famous episode, for example, Peer steals a bride at her wedding. For this reason, the people chase him, but soon Peer falls, striking his skull on a boulder. He wakens forthwith in a highland bounded by angry gnomes. Consequently, the music of In the Hall of the Mountain King represents the mad gnomes taunting Peer. Therefore, each time the theme repeats it gets louder and faster. In the end, Peer surprisingly escapes from the mountain. Holberg Suite and Misc. Summary It must be remembered that Grieg originally wrote his Holberg Suite for the piano. In other words, he only later arranged it for strings. Further, Grieg composed many songs with lyrics by famous writers such as Heine, Goethe, Ibsen, Hans Christian Andersen, Rudyard Kipling, and others. On balance, Norwegian pianist Eva Knardahl recorded altogether Grieg’s whole piano catalog on LP in 1980. These recordings were released again on CD in 2006. In any event, Grieg himself performed and recorded the bulk of these pieces toward the end of his life.  

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1115291 By Stephen DeCesare. By Traditional. Arranged by Stephen DeCesare. Multicultural,Patriotic,Standards,Traditional,World. Score and part. 10 pages. Exultet Music #717101. Published by Exultet Music (A0.1115291). An American patriotic song that served as one of the de facto national anthems of the United States has been freshly arranged for a Soprano Saxophone solo with Piano accompaniment. Accessible and appropriate for any venue. An accompaniment track is also available.

Instrumental Duet,Piano Alto Saxophone,Instrumental Duet,Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1114788 By Stephen DeCesare. By Traditional. Arranged by Stephen DeCesare. Multicultural,Patriotic,Standards,Traditional,World. Score and parts. 13 pages. Exultet Music #716653. Published by Exultet Music (A0.1114788). An American patriotic song that served as one of the de facto national anthems of the United States has been freshly arranged as a duet for Soprano and Alto Saxophone with Piano accompaniment. Accessible and appropriate for any venue. An accompaniment track is also available.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1505077 By Celine Dion. By James Horner and Will Jennings. Arranged by Harry Walker. 20th Century,Chamber,Film/TV,Pop,Wedding. Score and part. 11 pages. SCORE EDITIONS #1080485. Published by SCORE EDITIONS (A0.1505077). My Heart Will Go On, composed by James Horner with lyrics by Will Jennings and famously performed by Céline Dion, is the iconic love theme from the 1997 film Titanic. This powerful ballad, which has become one of the best-selling singles of all time, encapsulates the timeless love story between Jack and Rose, conveying themes of eternal love and remembrance. The song's structure features a haunting flute introduction, expressive verses, a full orchestral chorus, and a dramatic instrumental bridge, concluding with a gentle outro. Winning the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and four Grammy Awards, My Heart Will Go On remains a cultural staple and a key part of Céline Dion's repertoire. Its beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and emotional depth ensure its enduring popularity in concert programs worldwide. In this version, the composition was arranged for Soprano Saxophone and Piano by Harry Walker.

Chamber Orchestra Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.760283 Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Arranged by Raymond Fenech. Classical,Contest,Festival,Instructional,Multicultural,Opera,World. Score and part. 19 pages. Raymond Fenech #3547285. Published by Raymond Fenech (A0.760283). The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte), K. 620, is an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. The work is in the form of a Singspiel, a popular form that included both singing and spoken dialogue.[a] The work premiered on 30 September 1791 at Schikaneder's theatre, the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna, just two months before the composer's premature death. Queen of the Night is a popular aria from The Magic Flute. The Duration is approx. 2.51 minutes and the level is Intermediate.

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549234 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Easter,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3468788. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549234). J. S. Bach BWV 508. Bist du bei mir Bach adapted this aria from a lost Stölzel opera called Diomedes. He changed the original orchestral instrumentation to soprano, strings, and continuo.  He also modified the voice-leading making it sound more like a Bach composition. The work appears as BWV 508 No. 25 in the Anna Magdalena Notebook No. 2.   Source Only a few remnants of the original opera have survived. Historians speculate that Anna Magdalena got the song from the Leipzig Opera after the bankruptcy of 1720. Chances are good, though, that the tune was a favorite of everyone in Leipzig at the time.   Lyrics When thou art near, I go with joyTo death and to my rest.O how joyous would my end be,If your fair hands            Would close my faithful eyes. - Unknown Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy are the St. John Passion, and indeed the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Onboard are phonograph records with sounds, music, and images of life on Earth. The purpose of the launch was to inform intelligent extraterrestrial life forms about conditions on Earth. The music on the disc is varied. There is Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky among others. However, because Bach is so important in our music history, it contains three times more Bach than all the others combined.