Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549860 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Concert,Easter,Sacred,Wedding. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #3557041. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549860). Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) from Cantata BWV 140. Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 10 pages, Program this for church services during the Easter season, weddings, or as a recital encore.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) also known as: Sleepers Awake Bach composed his church cantata Wachet auf (BWV 140) as part of his second annual cantata cycle covering the entire annual church calendar. It is based on the hymn of the same name by Philipp Nicolai (1599). The hymn text covers the readings for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Bach designed the cantata in seven movements, setting the stanzas in various forms. Among these forms are the chorale fantasia, the chorale prelude, and a four-part chorale. He casts the new lyrics as recitatives – in a manner similar to the opera. Fourth Movement Bach writes the fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing), in the style of a chorale prelude with the chorale phrases performed as a strict cantus firmus. The phrases seem to enter at times erratically against the famous lyrical melody. The violins play this melody in unison as a foil against the cantus phrases. The violin melody is so independent and complete that when the cantus melody appears it catches the listener at times totally off-guard. Bach later transcribed this movement for organ (BWV 645). This transcription became No. 1 of the Six Schübler Chorales. 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 the 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, 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 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      

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1407234 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 261 pages. Jmsgu3 #989925. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1407234). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1407218 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 43 pages. Jmsgu3 #989901. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1407218). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1405387 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 39 pages. Jmsgu3 #988441. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1405387). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1405778 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #988834. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1405778). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1406650 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 59 pages. Jmsgu3 #989408. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1406650). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1407178 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 25 pages. Jmsgu3 #989877. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1407178). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1404877 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 44 pages. Jmsgu3 #987907. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1404877). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1407094 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 42 pages. Jmsgu3 #989793. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1407094). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1404790 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 25 pages. Jmsgu3 #987854. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1404790). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Alto Saxophone,Baritone Saxophone,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1405907 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 34 pages. Jmsgu3 #988957. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1405907). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1406743 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 20 pages. Jmsgu3 #989498. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1406743). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.

Woodwind Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1405104 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Standards. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #988142. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1405104). The importance of Bach's French Suites lies in their unique blend of French and Italian styles despite the misleading title. These suites, composed between 1722 and 1725 for the clavier, showcase Bach's mastery in stylizing traditional dances like allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. While named French Suites by later sources like Johann Nikolaus Forkel, they follow Italian conventions with some French influences. The suites offer a rich musical experience, bridging different European styles and serving as valuable teaching pieces. Despite the misleading title, Bach's French Suites are a testament to his compositional genius and continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike.The history behind Bach's French Suites is intertwined with a bittersweet period in Bach's life. In May 1720, Bach embarked on a trip, leaving his wife, Maria Barbara, and four children. Tragically, upon his return, he discovered that Maria Barbara had passed away. This loss led to a significant change in Bach's personal life as he became a single father mourning his wife. Despite this tragedy, Bach found love again with Anna Magdalena Wülcken, whom he married. As a gesture of affection and to cultivate her musical skills, Bach composed music for Anna Magdalena, including what would later become the French Suites. These suites were likely performed at court and reflected the couple's intimate musical companionship. The French Suites were not published during Bach's lifetime, possibly because he did not deem it challenging enough. Today, these suites offer an accessible path to Bach's music and are cherished for their stylized dance movements inspired by French and Italian forms.