At the beginning of his stay at the court of Köthen, the Bach's relations with his employer Prince Leopold were particularly good, since he was, in turn, a talented musician who held Bach in high esteem. But relations came to be sharpy deteriorating after the prince married a cousin, Princess Friederica, a lady who never showed the slightest interest in music and, generally, in any form of culture. His dire influence on Leopold, a prince and submissive husband at a time, ended up taking him away from the concerts that were held in court and therefore from his own musicians, including his kapellmeister, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Kantor at the Thomaskirche
Therefore, when the position of Kantor in the St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) became vacant in Leipzig due to the death of its owner, Johann Sebastian did not think twice and applied for the position even when the post also entailed responsibilities in the children's school that the Church housed, the Thomasschule. The application was very challenging (Bach competed with other musicians) but finally, the twenty-seven present councilors of the City Council gave its vote to Bach, unanimously.
Among the conditions imposed by the Council, besides those relating to teaching school students, and his obligation to compose and conduct the music in another important church in Leipzig, was the teacher's commitment to "arrange, to maintain the good order in the church, that the music to be played does not last too long and, in addition, ensure that it is not theatrical, but encourages listeners to devotion."
After many formalities, including a theology exam, Bach took the position of Kantor of the Saint Thomas Church on May 15, 1723. Thus began the most glorious period of Bach's life and as a composer, a successful stage in the company of his second wife, Anna Magdalena, and his numerous offspring. He would remain in Leipzig until his death, in 1750.
Partitas by Bach
The group of pieces known as "Partitas by Bach" are a set of six keyboard suites, published separately between 1726 and 1730 and finally assembled by Bach in a volume entitled Clavierübung I (Exercises for keyboard) in 1731. The partitas, such as the French and English suites, and overtures, are made up of several pieces that follow an order and receive a name established by the musical tradition of their time.
Partita No. 2 in C minor
Its sections are six:
00:00 Symphony,
04:45 Allemande
07:33 Courante
08:54 Sarabande
10:52 Rondeau
12:09 Capriccio
The rendition is by the brilliant Ukranian pianist Valentina Lisitsa.
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