During
this month of Bach, let’s not forget about Johann Sebastian’s lovely second
wife, Anna Magdalena, who served as not only the composer’s helpmate, but as
the mother of thirteen of his children and a professional musician. The couple
married in 1721 during Bach’s time in Cöthen.
While
in Cöthen, Bach did not have duties as a church musician so scholars assume he
took advantage of the extra time in his schedule to write secular court music
and pedagogical works. The Little Keyboard Books, two of which were given to
Anna Magdalena, served as music teaching and recreation books for his family.
The first of these books (1722) was a wedding gift and contains the earliest
source of his French Suites. The second book (1725) contains famous minuets and
other pieces used for teaching purposes.
While
Bach certainly contributed to these volumes, the second edition in particular
contains many pieces by other composers of the time as well as little works by
Anna and the children. It was quite rare during this time for a woman to
compose, however Anna added quite a few works to her book up until the 1740s!
Join
me next time for an all-Bach playlist just in time for his Birthday! Also, tune
into 90.9 WGUC (or online at wguc.org) on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00am to hear
Bach’s Goldberg Variations arranged
for chamber ensemble.
