Messen und Einzelsätze

During his lifetime Johann Sebastian Bach compiled an extensive music library, which today can only be reconstructed in a fragmentary manner. It reflects Bach’s continued curiosity to learn about compositions of various styles and eras, a curiosity which was already present in his younger years and into his advanced age.

The two complete masses and six individual movements from the Mass by Palestrina testify to Bach’s interest in compositions from the 16th century. During his Weimar years Bach initially used these works to study the stile antico, with its characteristic voice leading and modal harmonies. In the last years of his life, Bach planned performances of at least two of themasses. In this connection he added instrumental parts and a basso continuo to these works.

The Palestrina masses arranged by Bach comprise an important document for the performance practice in the 18th century of works in the strict style.