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Sean Rafferty presents a selection of music and guests from the arts world.

AN INTRODUCTION TO BACH'S MOTETS

KEY WORKS

Singet dem Herrn BWV 225
Jesu meine Freude BWV 227
Lobet den Herrn BWV 230

    Motets - an introduction

    Motets are choral pieces set to sacred texts, although examples do exist of motets for accompanied solo voices. Although Bach may have composed more motets than the ones which are extant, the overall number is not great, partly because the cantata, with its solo arias, independent orchestral parts and poetic texts, was now the dominant form.

    But the choral motet - already known from the 16 th and 17 th centuries - had strong geographical associations with the part of Germany - Thuringia - where the Bach family were active.

    While writing within this German motet tradition, Bach brought his remarkable compositional powers to bear on the music, introducing fugal writing and full-blown choral fugues. The multi-sectional nature of the music, and the juxtaposition of fast and slow movements, suggests that Bach was importing into it the kind of techniques found in vocal and instrumental concertos.

    Bach's motets are tours-de-force of choral writing and are compositions of the highest quality.

    © GRAEME KAY/BBC

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