Overview

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) wrote some of the most sublime music ever written (such as the St Matthew and St John Passions, the violin and Brandenburg concertos and the B Minor Mass), yet he was all but unknown in his lifetime and his music was not discovered and heard around the world until the middle of the 19th century, 100 years after he died. Bach never left Germany, and worked unobtrusively as an organist, choirmaster and teacher, while his contemporaries, Handel and Telemann, were lauded wherever they went and lived the life of international superstars. In Harmony and Discord Julian Shuckburgh explains why. While presenting an enthralling and detailed account of Bach's life, Harmony and Discord does something that, perhaps curiously, the other Bach biographies do not do. It traces the life in parallel with the music, and suggests, for the first time, that some of the composer's greatest works were produced at moments of great emotional turmoil, such as on the death of his beloved wife or of a much loved child. AUTHOR: Julian Shuckburgh has spent most of his life in the publishing industry, retiring in 2000 as managing director of Barrie & Jenkins. He began playing Bach's preludes and fugues at the age of nine. He has been a member of the world-famous Bach choir since 1969. SELLING POINTS - A new theory about the relationship between Bach's life and his music - The most accessible biography of this world-famous composer - The book includes a chronological list of all Bach's works. This has never been assembled in one place or published before. REVIEWS Shuckburgh's enthusiasm and passion for the music of Bach shines through Harmony & Discord. Book of the Day in Irish Times Engrossing...a fascinating read Classic FM Magazine Editor's Choice 'An engaging populilst introduction to the subject...[the] writing is never dull and his excitement about Bach's music - particularly seldom - performed rarer gems - is intriguing and palpable' Standpoint

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