Bach, "Little" Fugue in G minor, Organ

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  • Опубліковано 11 лип 2013
  • Bach, "Little" Fugue in G minor, BWV 578, performed on organ by Stephen Malinowski, with an animated graphical score.
    FAQ
    Q: How can this be played with just two hands?
    A: It can't. It's played on the organ, and one of the melodic lines is played by the feet, on a pedalboard. Here's a video showing what that's like:
    • Bach, BWV 578 "Little"...
    Q: I appreciate the animated graphical scores you make; how can I support your work?
    A: Thank you! The easiest way to support my work is by contributing via Patreon:
    / musanim
    If you'd like to help in more specific way, consider this:
    www.musanim.com/underwriting
    Q: Where can I get free sheet music for this piece?
    A: Here are a few places:
    imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg...
    icking-music-archive.org/score...
    icking-music-archive.org/score...
    Q: Is there a version for piano?
    A: Here's an arrangement I made:
    www.musanim.com/pdf/bwv578_Lit...
    and here is one of Olga Samaroff's arrangements
    www.musanim.com/pdf/samaroff_b...
    (much better than mine)
    Q: I thought you said you never did remakes!
    A: In 2013 Pearson hired me to make some videos for their "Listen to This" music appreciation package, and I decided that for this piece, it would be better for them to have an organ version, so I made one.
    Q: What instrument is that?
    A: It is two Ahlborn-Galanti modules (one Baroque, one not).
    Q: Could you please do a video of _________?
    A: Please see:
    www.musanim.com/requests/

КОМЕНТАРІ • 3 тис.

  • @smalin
    @smalin  3 роки тому +104

    “But what have you done lately?” www.musanim.com/UA-camHighlights/

    • @antoniojimenezherrera
      @antoniojimenezherrera Рік тому

      Just like it very much!

    • @Camze3307
      @Camze3307 Рік тому +1

      Quel chef-d'œuvre. Cette pièce exprime bien toute la grandeur de Bach et a un aspect singulier de peur mélangée à de la gaieté.

  • @skat3r430
    @skat3r430 4 роки тому +921

    Those first 15 seconds does something to my soul I can’t describe

    • @mintchoco5640
      @mintchoco5640 4 роки тому +78

      For me it's always when the second voice comes in I get chills

    • @ine6149
      @ine6149 4 роки тому +32

      For me It's 1:28

    • @windmillwilly
      @windmillwilly 4 роки тому +14

      Outlines a G minor chord?

    • @charismajyyks
      @charismajyyks 3 роки тому +11

      @Arthur Callaghan if you like that, you might consider looking up "The Song of the Sea" from Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. It basically builds off that melody

    • @adolfyeetler9231
      @adolfyeetler9231 3 роки тому +32

      @@charismajyyks or maybe The Red Baron

  • @Moribus_Artibus
    @Moribus_Artibus 9 років тому +33

    by god, it must be insanely difficult to get all that counterpoint in the right order....
    four different voices and they all intertwine together so perfectly!!

    • @smalin
      @smalin  9 років тому +4

      It's what the art of counterpoint is all about.

    • @Alomoes
      @Alomoes 9 років тому

      Yep.

    • @Alomoes
      @Alomoes 9 років тому +2

      ***** Eh, you don't need to follow them all the time, just use a ton of non chord tones.

    • @wewladstbh
      @wewladstbh 9 років тому

      I believe he means chords that don't belong to the triad, i.e. G and A, D and C ect.

    • @Tindometari
      @Tindometari 9 років тому +3

      dominoes37 This is rather formal music, that follows an intricate set of rules that are specific enough to guide the composer while still allowing considerable range for creativity. Those rules, once fully understood, make counterpoint much easier to write than the uninitiated would appreciate.
      In a way, it's a bit like computer programming: the building up of an arbitrary level of complexity by the accumulation and interaction of simpler units. I think that's one reason why code nerds have a tendency to groove on baroque music in general and Bach in particular.
      I learned those rules in high school, and was able to produce pieces of considerable complexity using them. They weren't very *good* pieces, because I was practising the theory of it rather than the art, and while I had considerable melodic talent, I didn't have the skill or experience to produce not merely counterpoint, but *beautiful* counterpoint. There's a huge difference between technical skill and the ability to create beauty; I had the first but not the second.

  • @frozenflame5858
    @frozenflame5858 3 місяці тому +21

    This fugue was stuck in my head and took me FOREVER to find it. So relieved.

    • @SSNewberry
      @SSNewberry 3 місяці тому

      What is wrong with that?

    • @007SCMN
      @007SCMN 2 місяці тому +3

      Same here! I heard this in high school is a class and it has always struck me as would be a sick rap beat

    • @cattathat
      @cattathat 2 місяці тому

      Same here

  • @ShiverMeTimbers93
    @ShiverMeTimbers93 3 роки тому +87

    The Red Baron but it's just the intro

    • @thebigjsjs6705
      @thebigjsjs6705 3 роки тому +14

      Well these notes are flying higher as the song progresses

    • @veddopanji2582
      @veddopanji2582 3 роки тому +2

      @@thebigjsjs6705 I see what you did there

  • @borrowingmoonlight18
    @borrowingmoonlight18 9 років тому +39

    I cannot get over this piece. Literally this ONE piece of music has made me see classical, baroque, and romantic music in a whole new light.... I used to struggle through the sheet music but being able to see it set out in this manner has made me see the sheer genius in the way he made the pieces fit. My appreciation is lifted and I am humbled v.v

    • @Alomoes
      @Alomoes 9 років тому +1

      Why didn't you see this earlier?

    • @primeninja2357
      @primeninja2357 9 років тому +4

      I guess, because classical music (or baroque, if you want) is just not popular today anymore. I remember telling I like to listen to classical music in my free time to my friends, and they were really surprised and couldn't understand what I like about this “old and boring“ music.
      Likewise I cannot understand people hurting their brain cells by listening to music like Rap, where I sometimes think the goal of the song is too get as many swearing words per minute as possible.

  • @jkenyon1985
    @jkenyon1985 Місяць тому +11

    This video is 10 years old and it's still my go to video for teaching students what a fugue is.

  • @camfg8908
    @camfg8908 3 місяці тому +24

    This little fugue is HUGE

  • @engineergaming9045
    @engineergaming9045 3 роки тому +55

    *HIGHER HE'S FLYING TOO FAST AND FLYING TOO HIGH HIGHER AN EYE FOR AN EYE THE LEGEND NEVER DIE*

    • @anonymos6248
      @anonymos6248 3 роки тому +9

      FIRST IN THE SCENE HES ARE LEADING MACHINE! ITS BLOODY APRIL AND THE TIDE IS TURNING

    • @josephgonsalves7352
      @josephgonsalves7352 3 роки тому +3

      @@anonymos6248 FIRE AT WILL, IT'S THE TRILL OF THE KILL
      FOUR SHOT IN A DAY WITH ENGINS BURNING

  • @josiahricafrente585
    @josiahricafrente585 5 років тому +127

    The fact that only one guy is playing this whole thing is just nuts.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  5 років тому +63

      Playing a four-voice fugue is somewhat analogous to juggling four balls. When you're juggling, you only pay attention to one ball at a time --- when you're catching/throwing it. The rest of the time, the ball is just executing the trajectory you gave it. When you're playing contrapuntal music, you tell your fingers what to do about the next few notes, and then you move on to attend to other notes in the future (while your fingers automatically/unconsciously "execute the trajectory" of the instructions you recently gave them). So, while the effect is continuously polyphonic, the player's attention is directed to one thing at a time, with the continuousness being provided by pre-learned habits executing automatically.

    • @josiahricafrente585
      @josiahricafrente585 5 років тому +5

      smalin holy cow. So basically it’s all just subconscious all the time?

    • @smalin
      @smalin  5 років тому +24

      There's no way to be conscious of that much at once. I can sightread contrapuntal keyboard music; even in that, most of what's going on physically is automatic/unconscious.

    • @josiahricafrente585
      @josiahricafrente585 5 років тому +3

      smalin that’s amazing!

    • @smalin
      @smalin  5 років тому +17

      It's actually a lot like watching somebody else do it (though physically, it does feel like you're doing it).

  • @thekantor1964
    @thekantor1964 5 років тому +92

    Hear how the subject hops around keys.
    0:05 A (G)
    0:20 B (D (Interval of a fifth in G minor))
    0:40 A (G)
    0:55 B (D)
    1:18 A (G (The sensation of returning from the fifth back down to the root is a satisfying musical phenomenon. This grounds the song and prepares for our next movement into other intervals))
    1:44 C (B♭ (Interval of a minor third in G minor))
    2:08 C (B♭)
    2:38 D (C (Interval of a fourth in G minor))
    3:18 A (G (Ending in a plagal manner where we started, G minor. This is significant because plagal cadences (4th to root "amen" cadence) are related to Christian music, and Bach was known to be extremely Christian))
    Finally finishing with a resplendent G major chord. Bach signs at the end of all his works, Soli Deo Gloria - "Glory to God alone". We can hear him clearly sign this piece musically in the same manner when looking at the subject within the Fugue. His last two chords are a typical 5-1 resolution.
    Lets take a look at the unrelated filling between the subjects of the fugue. I like to think of it as jelly filling, because its not the doughnut, but filler that is sort of used as an intermission / connector.
    We note that for the first three bits of filling are all generally moving downward, giving us a feeling that it shouldn't end soon.
    1:09
    1:58
    2:21
    But for the last piece of filling...
    2:50
    We find that it dips down, but then soars upwards, leading into the final resolution.
    Another thing of note - for each of the A sections where the subject presents itself starting on the G note:
    Youll notice that at each of these sections, the farther you progress through the work, the subject goes down in pitch : It begins in G in the top voice in the beginning, but finishes with the subject being played by the pedals (low pitch) in the end.

    • @lithiumcranium3330
      @lithiumcranium3330 5 років тому

      Dark_T this helps so much thank you

    • @Nowak.Lisandro
      @Nowak.Lisandro 3 роки тому

      here is your like my good man

    • @ludwigvanbeethoven7373
      @ludwigvanbeethoven7373 3 роки тому +2

      You're doing God's work, I respect that

    • @ernestorodriguez8487
      @ernestorodriguez8487 2 роки тому

      Inmense thanks, the way you analyze the piece is phenomenal and very clear! I enjoyed it so much that I would give you five likes if I coud. I just wish I could find this kind of analysis made for other pieces as well, it would be priceless to me.

    • @flavoredrick9664
      @flavoredrick9664 2 роки тому

      you basically did my homework for me thanks

  • @harryb7149
    @harryb7149 6 років тому +73

    Truly the epitome of incredible musical genius...There will NEVER be another Johan Sebastian Bach.

    • @pedrocorrea6870
      @pedrocorrea6870 6 років тому +13

      I may be too optimistic but I pray to all the gods that may exist that you are wrong. Why can't we have a new Bach. We didn't deserve the first one but they may have mercy on us.

    • @poopingthefart
      @poopingthefart 6 років тому

      True that

    • @ronb6182
      @ronb6182 4 роки тому +7

      The reason we don't have another like bach is because society has too many toys to play with. If we didn't have tv, radio, phonograph, tape deck, CD, players, computers, telephones, cellphones, smartphones, Computer games, video games and the list goes on Back in Bach's time they played an instrument and wrote music for passtime. We now have too much to occupy our time. I took piano lessons but the stereo played better than I did. We just live in a different era. Even self playing instruments were replaced with the phonograph.

    • @SDGRTX1455
      @SDGRTX1455 4 роки тому

      Bach the Ultimate composer of the whole universe.

    • @nolan9101
      @nolan9101 4 роки тому +3

      Ron B I would hate to think this way. I’d bet that when the wheel came out, cavemen worldwide thought that it was just a waste of time and that it was actually counter-productive. It takes less creativity to wheel something across the cave when you could drag it just as well. Wheel is ruining our cavechildren!

  • @nicholasharshbarger4454
    @nicholasharshbarger4454 4 роки тому +22

    This video shows the mathematical and musical genius of Bach. I don’t know how he made all of that fit together perfectly.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  4 роки тому +1

      To understand it, study counterpoint.

    • @jerseymusicman3332
      @jerseymusicman3332 4 роки тому

      The dude literally saw sounds... sound was his primary. This is the most amazing song. I couldn’t agree with you more.

    • @jerseymusicman3332
      @jerseymusicman3332 4 роки тому

      Btw... I see sounds too. Hope you take a listen... (I’m no Bach tho haha)

    • @SDGRTX1455
      @SDGRTX1455 4 роки тому +1

      @@smalin But still, no body come close to the genius of Bach.

  • @jonnyj.
    @jonnyj. 2 роки тому +33

    Holy shit, that part where it goes from major back to minor during that whole section from 2:20 to 2:44 is one of the best bits of music ive ever heard. Those chord progressions are so cool sounding, and really modern. Like it could come out of a game or movie :D

    • @grounding123
      @grounding123 2 роки тому

      That bit must have been as close as you could get to feeling the glory of God.

    • @vucijaz
      @vucijaz 2 роки тому +1

      It's reminiscent of a beat drop haha

    • @firenzarfrenzy4985
      @firenzarfrenzy4985 Рік тому +1

      It's satisfying to hear the music 'swing'

  • @GSXK4
    @GSXK4 4 роки тому +16

    I remember the first time I heard Bach's "little fugue," it was used on a public radio program back in the mid 90's in the Bay Area. I was like, what is that music!
    I went to a record store to search it out. loved Bach ever since.

  • @_omri_
    @_omri_ 6 років тому +48

    When my third and fourth hands grow I’ll finally be able to play this!

    • @TheVitorMusic
      @TheVitorMusic 6 років тому +5

      well this is meant to be played on an organ sooooo... you only need two hands and a foot, so assuming you're not phisically handicapped you're good to go!

    • @gambe96
      @gambe96 2 роки тому +1

      And your 3rd and 4th feet too, don't forget the pedalboard

    • @ThisIsABadIdeaSrsly
      @ThisIsABadIdeaSrsly 2 роки тому

      You'll need like two or three more brains to process everything at once too

  • @dedede5586
    @dedede5586 4 роки тому +25

    that transition into major, it gets me every time.

    • @Sera69FI
      @Sera69FI 4 роки тому +2

      That's called "tierce de picardie", and it's common in renessaince and baroque music.

    • @MrJijack
      @MrJijack 4 роки тому +1

      When is that?

    • @dedede5586
      @dedede5586 4 роки тому +4

      @J C like 1:43

    • @phwbooth
      @phwbooth 3 роки тому

      @@Sera69FI Do you think that Bach overdoes it, sometimes?

  • @CPT85
    @CPT85 6 років тому +32

    When this was featured in MegaMan Legends, I had no idea this was an actual classical song. Here, I thought it was just done for the game and the game’s musical team was just THAT gifted.

    • @Swampert_Tube
      @Swampert_Tube 3 роки тому

      Me but with sly 3

    • @EpicJake0948
      @EpicJake0948 2 роки тому

      LG actually arranged and remixed this for three ringtones.

  • @mohammedcohen
    @mohammedcohen 2 роки тому +15

    ...thing I like is you watch every note AND listen as it's played...I used to sit with the headphones on and the sheet music in front of me and follow along...it's amazing how much you actually miss unless you read the music as it's played...I miss those days...

  • @sheetmusicsadra5887
    @sheetmusicsadra5887 3 роки тому +33

    0:55 Baroque bass is insane

  • @nicolaslarrain9264
    @nicolaslarrain9264 5 років тому +89

    MAN AND MACHINE AND NOTHING THERE IN BETWEEN

    • @Kiarankovu
      @Kiarankovu 5 років тому +4

      @BriGuy THE SKY AND A PLANE, THIS MAN COMMANDS HIS DOMAIN

    • @suns_out_7610
      @suns_out_7610 5 років тому +5

      STAINED RED AS BLOOD, HE’S ROAMING HIGHER

    • @manilastreetsweeper5890
      @manilastreetsweeper5890 5 років тому +4

      @BriGuy THAT'S WHERE THE LEGEND WILL ARISE

    • @acarrot9868
      @acarrot9868 5 років тому +2

      @BriGuy HE'S FLYING TOO FAST AND HE'S FLYING TOO HIGH

    • @qqtrol1774
      @qqtrol1774 4 роки тому

      Ok i understand but don't. why are we putting sbaton here?

  • @morkymuc
    @morkymuc 3 роки тому +15

    Starts so modestly and simpe and becomes so complex and enchanting without effort. One of my favourite pieces by Bach. Magical!

  • @Skibbityboo0580
    @Skibbityboo0580 4 роки тому +15

    this is genuinely one of the most beautiful things I ever heard.

  • @DenialShreds
    @DenialShreds 2 роки тому +37

    and hes flying HIGHER THE KING OF THE SKY

  • @newworldcrypto5336
    @newworldcrypto5336 10 місяців тому +15

    This is one of Bach’s most phenomenal masterpieces! I
    Never get tired of listening to this because of how brilliantly this was written

    • @smalin
      @smalin  10 місяців тому +2

      Considering how many pieces Bach wrote (over a thousand), that's quite a statement!

  • @DriverTheIntern
    @DriverTheIntern Рік тому +34

    *inhales deeply*
    MAN AND MACHINE

    • @aabattery4092
      @aabattery4092 Рік тому +4

      AND NOTHING THERE IN BETWEEN

    • @lautarogomez9711
      @lautarogomez9711 Рік тому +4

      ​@@aabattery4092The flying circus and a man from Prussia!

    • @nahkriinmahfaeraak3905
      @nahkriinmahfaeraak3905 Рік тому +4

      THE SKY AND A PLANE, THIS MAN COMMANDS HIS DOMAIN

    • @derpypickaxe5352
      @derpypickaxe5352 Рік тому +2

      ​@Nahkriin Mahfaeraak THE WESTERN FRONT ALL THE WAY TO RUSSIA!

    • @nahkriinmahfaeraak3905
      @nahkriinmahfaeraak3905 Рік тому +2

      @@derpypickaxe5352 Death from above, you're under fire
      Stained red as blood, he's roaming higher

  • @DelRubikeo
    @DelRubikeo 7 років тому +16

    Smalin, I watch this video very often, there are some days I will randomly start singing this piece and have the urge to rewatch your video, today was that day and after a couple of listens I will go to your great fugue video. Thanks for your work!

  • @noko4247
    @noko4247 3 роки тому +12

    bach's fugues are always so perfect. this one in particular is almost like a tutorial on how to write one. what a genius he was

  • @libfer
    @libfer 8 місяців тому +20

    a week ago one of my music teachers at my school showed me this and i cant stop listening to this

    • @smalin
      @smalin  8 місяців тому +2

      If you like this one, you might like to try this: ua-cam.com/video/4WhPUqpaRp4/v-deo.html

    • @libfer
      @libfer 8 місяців тому +1

      i tried it it was awesome@@smalin

    • @smalin
      @smalin  8 місяців тому +3

      Well, then maybe you're ready for this: ua-cam.com/video/xp8Lgp3zILk/v-deo.html

    • @PetalButterflies
      @PetalButterflies 7 місяців тому

      SAME

    • @aschmybienaise8621
      @aschmybienaise8621 7 місяців тому

      real

  • @SuzukiYNathie
    @SuzukiYNathie 9 років тому +35

    My grandfather used to sing this to me when I went to bed. He died recently, and this brings back so many memories.

    • @beanacomputer
      @beanacomputer 9 років тому +38

      Suzuki Nathie I'm a bit confused, was your father an organ?

    • @SuzukiYNathie
      @SuzukiYNathie 9 років тому +5

      bflet12
      No, he sang the song to me. And he wasn't my father, he was my grandfather.

    • @Arch5280
      @Arch5280 9 років тому +28

      Suzuki Nathie That is so awesome. Not many have the privilege of having a grandfather who can sing organ fugues!

    • @beanacomputer
      @beanacomputer 9 років тому +15

      Arch5280 I'm not sure if being part organ is a blessing or a curse. Maybe, as Monk said, both.

    • @miruniec5033
      @miruniec5033 9 років тому +3

      bflet12
      definetly both

  • @lipby
    @lipby 10 років тому +23

    It's hard to fathom the brilliance of Bach.

    • @Alomoes
      @Alomoes 9 років тому

      Not really. You just have to try.

  • @julesbenedictcatalan4904
    @julesbenedictcatalan4904 Рік тому +45

    POV : You are an Allied pilot in 1917 and there is some weird red plane in the sky coming towards you...

    • @stick8982
      @stick8982 Рік тому +3

      man and machine, nothing there inbetween

    • @levibailey3824
      @levibailey3824 Рік тому +3

      @@stick8982 A FLYING CIRCUS AND A MAN FROM PRUSSIA

    • @stick8982
      @stick8982 Рік тому +3

      The sky and a plane, this man commands his domain

    • @brendonmcdoniel3684
      @brendonmcdoniel3684 Рік тому +1

      THE WESTERN FRONT AND ALL THE WAY TO RUSSIA

    • @vanta_black
      @vanta_black Рік тому

      @@brendonmcdoniel3684 death from above

  • @swcarden
    @swcarden 4 роки тому +24

    When I was a kid, we had an NES game called Bible Adventures. It wasn't officially licensed, and was in a weird blue cartridge. But if you beat the Noah's ark part of the game, the victory cutscene played the most amazing music. I had no idea what it was, but would put in hours of work capturing animals just to hear a little bit of that wonderful 8-bit music. Years later I heard Bach's Little Fugue, and realized that was the music that had enraptured me from first listen as a child.

    • @gdellacrvz6894
      @gdellacrvz6894 4 роки тому

      Stephen Carden -Es curioso porque he subido ese material en mi canal, Jajajaja.

    • @kunaikilla
      @kunaikilla 4 роки тому +4

      Same. I heard this song the first time playing MegaMan legends for PlayStation 1.

    • @MrAlcazar
      @MrAlcazar 4 роки тому +1

      I still have that game, and to this day have not beaten it.

    • @kunaikilla
      @kunaikilla 4 роки тому

      @@MrAlcazar MegaMan or Bible adventures?

    • @MrAlcazar
      @MrAlcazar 4 роки тому +1

      @@kunaikilla WTF? Who said anything about Mega-Man?

  • @bludemon07
    @bludemon07 6 років тому +10

    I love this visual. You can see the musical paths of the colors, each one telling a story of it's own, but always returning to that common fugue home theme.

  • @josemitakodachirecruit2004
    @josemitakodachirecruit2004 2 роки тому +49

    *revvs up my WW1-era fighter plane*

  • @sharongronlund8947
    @sharongronlund8947 4 роки тому +13

    2013-in Music Appreciation class in college, I heard this song, and it was played so beautifully that I imagined a gothic masquerade ball with jesters and lots of colors, and a budding romance. That image, and this song, has stayed with me for 7 years now :) I love it

  • @efecanbatur4425
    @efecanbatur4425 4 роки тому +38

    And he's flying, higher!

    • @gcomando1462
      @gcomando1462 3 роки тому +1

      The king of the skies

    • @lucas_h
      @lucas_h 3 роки тому

      @@gcomando1462 He's flying to fast and he's flying too high

  • @giggityguy
    @giggityguy 4 роки тому +9

    The modulation out of the major section at 2:22 is one of the best modulations I've ever heard anywhere

    • @MrJdsenior
      @MrJdsenior 4 роки тому

      For me, listening to Bach over my lifetime, I've found MANY of the best (you name it, if it's musically related) I've ever heard anywhere...so yeah, I'm with ya brother! ;-)

  • @dannycaplan6614
    @dannycaplan6614 3 роки тому +12

    I wish this animated graphical system had existed when I was learning how a fugue is constructed all those years ago. It would have saved me a lot of time. Fortunately, I can use these videos for my students now.

  • @MickMcGarnackle
    @MickMcGarnackle 3 роки тому +18

    Those bass drops would end careers nowadays. Testing Bach's gangsta was unheard of.

    • @BaChewieChewieChomp
      @BaChewieChewieChomp 3 роки тому +3

      Thank you for continuing the tradition of Boomer style cringe comments on classic music videos.

    • @WetaMantis
      @WetaMantis 3 роки тому

      @@BaChewieChewieChomp "Boomer style cringe" This comment won't age well...

    • @MickMcGarnackle
      @MickMcGarnackle 3 роки тому +1

      @@BaChewieChewieChomp Aw, YT removed my reply to you. You must've whined pretty loud to em.

    • @MickMcGarnackle
      @MickMcGarnackle 3 роки тому

      @@WetaMantis Don't waste your breath on wannabe edgy morons.

  • @irenelavinesia8764
    @irenelavinesia8764 4 роки тому +15

    What I love about this is that it's pretty similar to what I percieve when I listen to classical music

    • @smalin
      @smalin  4 роки тому

      How about this: ua-cam.com/video/4FIEtH3VUCY/v-deo.html

  • @leon2550
    @leon2550 9 років тому +23

    one of the catchiest classical pieces i've ever heard.

    • @gaoee
      @gaoee 9 років тому

      Same

    • @linkdamasta64
      @linkdamasta64 9 років тому +16

      actually it's baroque *scoffs*

    • @leon2550
      @leon2550 9 років тому

      Pikachu With a Moustache eh, it's a matter of taste.

    • @gaoee
      @gaoee 9 років тому +1

      Pikachu With a Moustache I know it's Baroque but it is actually a catchy song if you know what I mean. I agree with leon2550

    • @linkdamasta64
      @linkdamasta64 9 років тому +2

      leon2550 all i said was it's from the baroque era, i didn't say it was bad

  • @SlateFx
    @SlateFx 4 роки тому +26

    14 rising steps at 3:05 to symbolise the 14 stages of the cross, plus B+A+C+H, my god Bach's genius is incomprehensible.

  • @ethandyson6070
    @ethandyson6070 5 років тому +30

    Listening to this while doing work is a bad idea. You'll be stuck just listening to how incredibly awesome this is and you wont get anything done.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  5 років тому +6

      Yes, but once it's over, you can think: if I set my standards high enough, maybe some day I'll achieve something as awesome as this.

    • @piedra16kr7
      @piedra16kr7 5 років тому +1

      It has happened to me hahaha

    • @captainpapership1892
      @captainpapership1892 5 років тому

      Same.

  • @tuber1493
    @tuber1493 3 роки тому +14

    I dont know why but this melody does funky things to my brain.

  • @lukeb6771
    @lukeb6771 2 місяці тому +9

    3:04 is such a cool gesture to see visualized. It’s as if the tenor is pushing the alto and soprano higher and higher, yet they have nowhere to go! That’s okay, Bach has it covered 😎

    • @jsaenz42
      @jsaenz42 Місяць тому

      Beginning at 3:00 or so is like an EDM drop. Slowly pushing higher and higher then coming in with the super low part

  • @simonwoods7112
    @simonwoods7112 5 років тому +9

    Wonderfully mesmerizing visual interpretation. Am I the only one who gets chills every time it returns to that main theme, even if it's just in the background? The power of Bach...

    • @emuhily
      @emuhily 5 років тому

      Simon Woods so do i... especially when the bass or lower comes in. Amazing how everything works so well..,

  • @Hailstormand
    @Hailstormand 6 років тому +10

    For anyone who fears fugues, this and Bach’s the Great fugue are two very accessible pieces. This one in particular has a simple line of melody that is very easy to discern as it runs through the prismatic manipulations of Bach’s masterful composition. I truly treasure these two pieces.

  • @PokyDaBesto
    @PokyDaBesto Рік тому +21

    This is a fucking banger and nobody can change my mind

    • @HayTatsuko
      @HayTatsuko Рік тому +1

      It's been a banger for me since I first heard it around 10 years of age. I'm now 51. It will never not be a banger for me -- I'm a sucker for fugues, and this is one of the archetype pieces. .

    • @PokyDaBesto
      @PokyDaBesto Рік тому

      @@HayTatsuko damn

  • @theshapeexists
    @theshapeexists 2 роки тому +25

    Nobody writes things like this anymore because they can't. I remember listening to this as a kid and when it first hits that low G before it goes to major I got goosebumps. I still do as a middle aged guy. Ive heard this played in a church and it sounds badass

    • @smalin
      @smalin  2 роки тому +14

      Actually, that's not true. There are people who could write things like this if they wanted, but they figure "Bach did that already, and I'm interested in doing something else." If you listen to the music I've posted by Stepháne Delplace, you'll see what I mean. Another example is Aaron Andrew Hunt, who is interested in irregular meters; if he chose to use conventional meters, it would sound a lot closer to Bach.

    • @SpecRec
      @SpecRec 2 роки тому

      @@smalin do you think there are a lot of people out there who could compose music as well as Bach did?

    • @sebastianschweigert7117
      @sebastianschweigert7117 2 роки тому +7

      @@smalin wow still replying to new comments even on 8 yr old videos? Hey thanks for your work smalin. This particular video is one of my favorites I must have watched it more than 20 times over the years and I often send it to people I meet who aren't familiar with bach. Your arrangement of the bach A minor fugue with organ and wind is also incredible. Come to think of it, I probably have about 10 "favorite" videos from you! Thanks again

    • @trinitydaves3732
      @trinitydaves3732 2 роки тому +1

      @Night Shade: You can't offhand mention something like that, without providing link, referential directions or SOMETHING

    • @sabbastian
      @sabbastian Рік тому +1

      @@funnythingunleashed Seconded. I have to hear this.

  • @Lucas38739
    @Lucas38739 2 роки тому +20

    I still love this video that my music teacher showed me

    • @tinkeriso6169
      @tinkeriso6169 2 роки тому +5

      My music teacher showed me this video in the october of 2016, and I fell in love with it...

  • @user-crane
    @user-crane 4 роки тому +19

    And he's flying HIGHER,
    The king of The Sky!

    • @TheTrainChasingPoet1999
      @TheTrainChasingPoet1999 4 роки тому +3

      He's flying too fast and he's flying too high!
      Higher, an eye for an eye
      The legend will never die!

  • @samuelrodriguez4946
    @samuelrodriguez4946 4 роки тому +17

    Thank you so much for videos like this. The visuals seriously help me with analysis for music theory. I’ve always been able to hear intervals and pitches, but these visuals solidify it all for me! I’d imagine mathematical concepts are involved. Thanks again for bringing this to us!

  • @MidwestSirenProductions
    @MidwestSirenProductions 4 роки тому +11

    This song has been stuck in my head for the past few days...
    HELP

  • @AwareLife
    @AwareLife 4 роки тому +8

    Something immensely satisfying and complete about a fugue, especially by Bach of course.

  • @hopesonmakokha5217
    @hopesonmakokha5217 3 роки тому +10

    I can hear every distinctive voices with absolute clarity. Thank you!! This is pure eargasm.

  • @nigelmarshallkenyonabbott8684
    @nigelmarshallkenyonabbott8684 3 роки тому +9

    One of my classic Bach favorites. Like the synthesized organ sound. Like the simple, straightforward graphics. Easy to follow. A genuine quality package!

  • @Emarquiu99
    @Emarquiu99 3 роки тому +17

    2:20 absolutely stunning.

    • @jek_pattaran5411
      @jek_pattaran5411 3 роки тому +2

      literally my favorite sequence in all of music

    • @reloder1249
      @reloder1249 3 роки тому +1

      so simple and so beautiful, why people not trying to solve these patterns anymore :(
      We want more of these please!

  • @caesarsneezer6992
    @caesarsneezer6992 4 роки тому +7

    I'm here because I cant play or read music and this piece I heard in high school still swims in my head, and because Bach is extremely in my musical life, as well as Baroque and Medieval. I'm absorbing the vibe Bach put out with this unmatched fugue, in other words, I'm listening. Thank you, Johann

  • @poisondartfrogplayz251
    @poisondartfrogplayz251 3 роки тому +9

    Legend has it that another organist challenged Bach to see who was better. Apparently, the guy heard Bach warming up, and left town that night so that Bach wouldn't completely embarrass him in front of the entire town.

  • @marieevans7757
    @marieevans7757 7 років тому +10

    After listening to this piece, I was amazed by the interwoven melodies creating the overall fugue. It seems mathematically composed.

  • @jasongates-
    @jasongates- 5 років тому +12

    When it ends, round of applause.
    Oh, wait. When it ends, you're disappointed it ended.

  • @oneghost1257
    @oneghost1257 7 років тому +8

    One of the most spectacular compositions I've ever heard.

  • @ebandzekan
    @ebandzekan Рік тому +14

    Philosophy of Rock n Roll melodic pattern was born out of this song if you listen carefully you will find it it’s in there .

  • @albinpepe9057
    @albinpepe9057 10 місяців тому +28

    If this is his little fugue...I'm terrified of the Big Fugue.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  10 місяців тому +11

      His "Big Fugue" is not even his biggest. So watch out.

    • @albinpepe9057
      @albinpepe9057 10 місяців тому +2

      What about the medium fugue. Is there also an XL Fugue.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  10 місяців тому +2

      @@albinpepe9057 There's dozens of them of all sizes.

    • @dbyers3897
      @dbyers3897 9 місяців тому +1

      They're both from Fugal Times. A dark period in our history.

    • @e.conboy4286
      @e.conboy4286 8 місяців тому

      It’s even better! Watch for it.

  • @kurushaev
    @kurushaev 3 роки тому +52

    A N D H E ' S F L Y I N G ! !

    • @eugeneoliveros5814
      @eugeneoliveros5814 3 роки тому +3

      H I G H E R ! ! !

    • @local1057
      @local1057 3 роки тому +3

      K I N G O F T H E SKY ! ! !

    • @loucypher1060
      @loucypher1060 3 роки тому +4

      HE'S FLYING TOO FAST AND HE'S FLYING TOO HIGH

    • @nah174
      @nah174 3 роки тому

      F L Y I N G T O O U T E R S P A C E ! ! !

    • @AR18123
      @AR18123 3 роки тому

      HIGHER!!!!

  • @jamessieker1712
    @jamessieker1712 2 роки тому +7

    This was the first piece of Classical Organ Music I ever heard. (outside of church hymns). It has remained in my head for over 50 years and to rediscover it is joyful!

  • @michaelhughes8057
    @michaelhughes8057 7 місяців тому +5

    When I first heard this piece by Bach in a music appreciation class in High School, I felt it was the most beautiful piece of music I had ever heard! I had the opportunity of hearing it again live in a Organ Recital in Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica, Queens!❤

  • @feeberizer
    @feeberizer 7 місяців тому +8

    I heard this for the first time back in 1972 when I was in a 7th grade music class. Still love it to this day in 2023.

  • @SunRayz3r
    @SunRayz3r Рік тому +12

    “And he’s flying higher, the king of the sky”.

  • @itznoxy7193
    @itznoxy7193 5 років тому +10

    Maybe my favourite of all Bach's opening subjects. Sounds so legendary.

    • @tarquin161234
      @tarquin161234 5 років тому

      Or this one: ua-cam.com/video/Q5Mv3T3ANjY/v-deo.html

    • @IronBrotherhood4
      @IronBrotherhood4 5 років тому +2

      iTzNoxy it was in Megaman Legends......lol

  • @nickhahe5682
    @nickhahe5682 7 років тому +28

    Came here because of my music teacher, I might be the only one in my class who is amazed by this.

  • @mistersandman3446
    @mistersandman3446 5 років тому +92

    *waits for The Red Baron's lyrics to start*
    *doesn't start*
    What the Fugue

    • @gcomando1462
      @gcomando1462 3 роки тому +5

      Hhaahha guy from Prussia go brrrr

  • @caesarsneezer6992
    @caesarsneezer6992 4 роки тому +12

    The most decadent chocolate cake embellished with the richest frosting. Bach and Smalin, thank you for finally giving me a reason to live after 66 yrs. See you on the other side. Cool colors on the note blocks, makes the music come to life

  • @JTBCOOL1
    @JTBCOOL1 8 років тому +7

    Thanks Stephen Malinowski for all the work you do here on this wonderful UA-cam channel of yours. I am in Music 101 (a.k.a. Music appreciation) and my professor always talks about how awesome your UA-cam videos are. I have moved on from fugue and am currently learning about the multi-movement forms of Suite, Sonata, Concerto, and Symphony. You have plenty of videos for those musical forms as well! Thanks again and keep up the great work!

  • @patrickbirner6573
    @patrickbirner6573 6 років тому +5

    Man I love those trills...

  • @shelbyperkins7682
    @shelbyperkins7682 Рік тому +12

    got into this because of my music class in my fall semester of college. this slaps

  • @ruthietho2129
    @ruthietho2129 4 роки тому +20

    I’m only here because of a listening quiz for a class, but I actually like this piece so I’m gonna save this video lol

  • @acepounder
    @acepounder 10 місяців тому +5

    While I have listened and watched this a couple of times (absolutely brilliant!), I had never noticed that Mr. Malinowski created both the wonderful performance AND the animation!! Bravo!!!

  • @lonecolamarine
    @lonecolamarine 6 місяців тому +10

    An’ he’s flyin’ Higher!
    King of the skies! He’s flyin’ too fast n’ he’s flying too high!
    Higher!
    Eye-for-an-eye, the legend’ll never die!!

  • @MarshallArtz22
    @MarshallArtz22 4 роки тому +9

    I am so in love with Bach .....this is so exhilarating and stimulating at the same time. With a dark Mix of love, mystery and a dash of mystery.

  • @the_kingslayer
    @the_kingslayer 5 років тому +14

    I have watched this video HUNDREDS of times, forced every one of my friends to watch at least once and marvel at this masterpiece. The graphical score allows you to see and hear every counterpoint section interlaced with geometric precision, the structure is mesmerizing. Bach is G.O.A.T.!!!!!!

    • @smalin
      @smalin  5 років тому +2

      Thank you for helping me share my work.

    • @anytimeiwake
      @anytimeiwake 5 років тому +1

      @@smalin I love this. I agree with James and it indeed is mesmerizing! I wish I had all my favorites in this format!

  • @ir0n2541
    @ir0n2541 8 років тому +6

    You must be a true genius to compose something like this, i mean how all the voices intertwine and complement one another is fascinating.

  • @walterbishop3668
    @walterbishop3668 6 років тому +14

    My precious little Fugue

  • @ladymiss9466
    @ladymiss9466 3 роки тому +17

    Bach was a genius, or shall I say, "...Is a genius," because clearly he is immortalized

  • @donna30044
    @donna30044 4 роки тому +8

    Perhaps this is the most nearly perfect piece of music ever created.

    • @Jalapablo
      @Jalapablo 4 роки тому

      That could be said for just about everything JSB wrote

    • @crackedmateria4991
      @crackedmateria4991 4 роки тому

      Dvorak's Symphony No.9 is also really good. My favourite movement is 4.

  • @ruohanli5231
    @ruohanli5231 8 років тому +8

    There are just too many songs playing at the same time and yet are incredibly harmonic! I always feel Fugue to be like the hallmark of human music.

  • @loggiepocket
    @loggiepocket 8 років тому +5

    The great VISUAL expression for FUGUE!!! That helps me a lot. Thanks so much smalin :)

    • @smalin
      @smalin  8 років тому

      +Polly Liu You're welcome!

  • @sajateacher
    @sajateacher 3 роки тому +12

    This is the craziest game of Brick-out I’ve ever seen.

  • @ZoroKxng718
    @ZoroKxng718 4 роки тому +13

    One of the best pieces of music ever composed!!👍

  • @malekdjerbal9387
    @malekdjerbal9387 Рік тому +5

    This is some of Bach's best work and one of my favorite pieces of classical music

  • @SpecRec
    @SpecRec 2 роки тому +4

    I come back to this at least once a day. This is such a masterpiece and Bach is such a genius.

  • @davidpinkney9886
    @davidpinkney9886 6 років тому +65

    People say that bach is the best composer of all time, like if you agree

    • @MrGuilherme1100
      @MrGuilherme1100 6 років тому +1

      Ahh Don't be dramatic hahaha We love you too! ♥

    • @davidpinkney9886
      @davidpinkney9886 6 років тому +2

      Antonio Lucio Vivaldi I still like the four seasons concertos you make.

    • @davidpinkney9886
      @davidpinkney9886 6 років тому

      Antonio Lucio Vivaldi I am also part Italian

    • @davidpinkney9886
      @davidpinkney9886 6 років тому

      Antonio Lucio Vivaldi I hope I'm related to you

    • @davidpinkney9886
      @davidpinkney9886 6 років тому

      Antonio Lucio Vivaldi I'm sure you have a lot of fans out there besides me

  • @pawncube2050
    @pawncube2050 5 років тому +9

    I'm seriously addicted with this.

  • @jareshchan5987
    @jareshchan5987 Рік тому +12

    This fugue inspired me to write a fugue.
    Bach is genius.

  • @Chrischi3TutorialLPs
    @Chrischi3TutorialLPs 3 роки тому +546

    Allied pilots: Why do i hear boss music?

  • @joseleonido3479
    @joseleonido3479 2 роки тому +15

    Bach is said to be the master of polyphony, yet none even speak of it

    • @HayTatsuko
      @HayTatsuko Рік тому +1

      That's because they are too busy basking in Bach's auditory glory to give it proper voice~

  • @mantikari
    @mantikari 7 років тому +16

    This way of presenting the music is really helpful to a non-musician like me. Seeing what is going on helps me to hear it. Thank you to the people who do this.

    • @smalin
      @smalin  7 років тому +1

      I'm glad to hear it helps.

    • @mantikari
      @mantikari 7 років тому

      So you are the one who did this. Thank you. It's awesome.

  • @laurence.h9525
    @laurence.h9525 6 років тому +7

    You are a great organ player. I love your works and the effort you put on promoting classical music. I think we need more people like you, so that those precious work can be remembered by more people. Keep going!

  • @LittleGreenPearl
    @LittleGreenPearl Рік тому +18

    Doctor: you have 3:45 minutes to live
    Me: listens to this