Critical_Analysis_of_Johann_Sebastian_Bach's__Mass_in_B_Minor_

3/20/13 Period 3 Honors World History II Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor is a Classical music icon. It is widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of classical music. The piece is written as a Latin mass and contains 27 parts and stretches for about 150 minutes when performed by a live orchestra. Mass in B Minor was Bach’s last composition, and did not live to see it compiled. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor is intriguing because of its fascinating history, compelling nature, and absorbing sound. The fascinating history behind the Mass in B minor really defines the piece. Bach was a Lutheran, which is unusual for him to write a catholic missa, or mass. He most likely did this to acquire a patronage from the duke of his state. Bach also did not give the work a name. He did not intend for the twenty seven parts to be compiled into one masterpiece. This was most likely done by someone after his death. Mass in B minor expounds a very compelling nature. It consists of a very interesting compilation. Mass in B minor contains twenty seven different works of Bach. These pieces were later compiled together to create the masterwork. Mass in B minor also flows extremely smooth from section to section. The orchestra begins the mass with three, strong, repeating chords. It then slows down until the Kyrie and Gloria. It continues to follow this pattern effectively up to the joyous closing. The absorbing sound that is heard in Mass in B minor is full of emotion. The deep chords that constitute the many sections of the mass are what make this piece one of the best classical music compositions. The use of the low key instruments like the cellos and basses harmonize flawlessly with the first and second violins and violas to create an outstanding sound, engrossing you in the music. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor is intriguing because of its fascinating history, compelling nature, and absorbing sound. It is a historical piece regarded as one of the best, composed by one of the best. The Mass in B minor is the prime instance of an ideal classical music piece.