Johann Sebastian Bach was born on this day in 1685 — to help celebrate the birthday of the king of counterpoint, here’s a little quiz. Can you identify these ten of his works?
A Bach Birthday Celebration…
To see the answers below, click and drag over the white space… if you’re on a mobile device, scroll down!
- “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (from Cantata BWV 147)
- “Aria” from the Goldberg Variations
- “Air on the G String” (Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, mvt. 2)
- Toccata in D minor (arranged for Brass Quintet)
- “Badinerie” (Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, mvt. 7)
- “Erbarme dich, mein Gott” (from St. Matthew Passion)
- Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major
- Minuet in G Major from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, mvt. 1
- “Siciliano” (Flute Sonata No. 2 in E flat, mvt. 2)
- “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (from Cantata BWV 147)
- “Aria” from the Goldberg Variations
- “Air on the G String” (Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, mvt. 2)
- Toccata in D minor (arranged for Brass Quintet)
- “Badinerie” (Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, mvt. 7)
- “Erbarme dich, mein Gott” (from St. Matthew Passion)
- Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major
- Minuet in G Major from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, mvt. 1
- “Siciliano” (Flute Sonata No. 2 in E flat, mvt. 2)
