Would J.S. Bach Be Fascinated by Modern Music?

While we cannot know for certain what Johann Sebastian Bach would think about modern music and its myriad genres, we can speculate based on his musical principles and historical context. This article will explore how Bach's perspectives might align with or diverge from contemporary musical styles.

AOD: Appreciation of Complexity

Bach is famous for his intricate counterpoint and harmonic sophistication. He might appreciate the complexity found in some modern genres such as progressive rock, jazz, and certain forms of classical crossover music, which often mirror his own compositional techniques. These contemporary styles push boundaries and explore multifaceted layers, much like Bach's Contrapunctus from the Art of Fugue.

AT: Innovation

Bach was an innovator in his time, pushing the boundaries of musical form and structure. He might find modern music intriguing, as it continually evolves, incorporating new technologies, ideas, and influences. This reflects the spirit in which Bach absorbed various musical traditions, drawing from Italian, French, and German styles, and integrating them into his own unique style.

EOD: Emotional Expression

Bach's music is deeply expressive, often conveying profound emotions. He might find resonance with modern genres that prioritize emotional depth, such as blues, folk, and various forms of popular music that focus on lyrical storytelling. These styles, much like Bach's own works, can convey complex human experiences and emotions through music.

COF: Cultural Fusion

Given his appreciation for diverse influences, Bach studied and absorbed various musical styles. He might enjoy the blending of genres seen in contemporary music, such as hip-hop incorporating classical elements or world music fusion. These fusions reflect the multicultural and hybrid nature of modern music, similar to how Bach's music was a blend of different traditions.

AA: Accessibility and Popularity

Bach might have mixed feelings about the commercialization of music today. While he would likely appreciate the accessibility of music through streaming and social media, he might question the depth and quality of some popular music compared to the rigorous standards he upheld. His music, known for its intricate structure and emotional depth, set a benchmark that he would likely expect from contemporary composers.

CC: Collaboration and Community

The collaborative nature of modern music, with artists frequently working together across genres, might appeal to Bach. He often collaborated with other musicians and composers, and modern music often relies on such collaborations to create innovative and diverse sounds.

II: In Summary

While Bach might be amazed by the diversity and accessibility of modern music, he would likely maintain his standards for craftsmanship, emotional depth, and innovation. He would likely investigate the various musical ideas expressed and then incorporate the best of them into his own music, much as he did during his own lifetime. Bach's journey of discovery and integration of different musical forms provides a fascinating parallel to the evolution of modern music.

Furthermore, Bach was the Miles Davis and Picasso of his day, studying, absorbing, and then mastering all the different musical forms of the past and from contemporary sources. He could write music in any style, from the latest French overture to an old-fashioned Italian concerto, blending elements of plainsong and bizarro stuff alike.

We are so used to his music that we don't understand how dissonant it often is, how strange the harmonic progressions are, or how he really pushes the envelope. A friend did an experiment: for six months, listening to nothing but pre-Bach music every day, and then listening to Bach. It was as though he went from Nat King Cole to Bohemian Rhapsody, or Irving Berlin to bebop. Such was the stark contrast and the profound impact of Bach's music.

So, we can imagine that Bach would be astounded by the developments in music from his death in 1750 to today. He would be fascinated by the new instruments, genres, and technologies that have emerged, while still respecting the core principles that defined his own composition.