Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) stands as one of the towering figures in the history of music, celebrated for his unmatched genius in composition and innovation. Yet for those new to classical music, Bach’s vast and varied output can seem daunting. From intricate fugues to moving choral works, his music has a depth that resonates across generations, inspiring musicians and audiences alike.
Essentially, Bach remains essential listening for anyone curious about classical music. Whether you're exploring Baroque music for the first time or seeking timeless masterpieces to enrich your playlist, Bach is the perfect starting point. Here, French pianist George Lepauw selects 12 great Bach works (and 12 great recordings of these works) that would make a great introduction to this greatest of composers. Prepare to embark on a journey through the brilliance of a composer whose works are as accessible as they are profound.
Bach for beginners: George Lepauw's choices
1. Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude
Recommended recording: Pablo Casals (cello)
This is a very old scratchy recording, but if you lean in to listen, you will discover the inimitable Pablo Casals, one of the greatest Bach interpreters of all time (and one of the greatest cellists of all time!). Casals remains unrivalled, thanks to his intensity and the honesty with which he plays Bach’s music.
2. Goldberg Variations: Aria
Recommended recording: Glenn Gould (piano)
It’s hard to put together a list of Bach’s greatest works without including the Aria from his Goldberg Variations. It’s equally hard to not include Glenn Gould. He brings so much of Bach’s music into focus and allows us to consider it deeply. Simone Dinnerstein’s more recent version is equally brilliant, but Gould remains an irreplaceable artist.
- This recording made it into our list of the 50 greatest recordings of all time.
- The best recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations
3. Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565
Recommended recording: Jacques Loussier Trio
Bach’s music has the advantage of being easy to adapt, from basic transcriptions for other instrumental combinations to non-classical versions.
Jacques Loussier was a tremendous jazz pianist whose combined love of classical music and jazz helped bring these two genres together in unusual and exciting ways.
4. Prelude No. 1 from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1
Recommended recording: George Lepauw (piano)
There is no better entry to Bach than the first piece in his Well-Tempered Clavier. Close your eyes and let this music seep in: it’s short, sweet, and will centre your mind. Make listening to this piece a habit!
5. St Matthew Passion: ‘Erbarme dich, mein Gott’ from
Recommended recording: Eula Beal (contralto), Yehudi Menuhin (violin)
This is one of the most gorgeous and profound pieces Bach wrote, heard here in a unique duo between Yehudi Menuhin’s sensitive violin and Eula Beal’s moving contralto voice.
6. Mass in B minor: Kyrie
Recommended recording: Munich Bach Orchestra & Choir/Karl Richter
Bach’s Mass in B minor is extremely powerful: you can get lost in its intense moving lines and harmonies. It’s also a work that brings together Bach’s loves of organ, choir and large instrumental forces. It’s definitely worth diving into, especially if you love drama!
More Bach for beginners
7. Violin Partita No. 3 in E: Prelude
Recommended recording: Hilary Hahn (violin)
This piece always provides a boost of energy. Bach’s works for solo violin are copious and brilliant, and Hilary Hahn is a superb virtuoso performer.
8. Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D: Air
Recommended recording: Staatskapelle Dresden/Ferdinand Leitner
Commonly known as ‘Air on the G String’, this movement from one of Bach’s suites for orchestra is a calming and reflective listening experience.
9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: III. Allegro assai
Recommended recording: Maurice André (trumpet)
One of the greatest tunes written for the trumpet. Bach’s interest in exploring instrumental timbre is most apparent in this piece.
10. Double Violin Concerto in D minor
Recommended recording: Yehudi Menuhin & David Oistrakh (violin)
This piece is full of drama and sweetness, performed here by two musical giants of the last century.
11. St John Passion: 'Unser Herrscher'
Recommended recording: Bach Collegium Japan/Masaaki Suzuki
This isn’t exactly ‘easy listening’, but its intensity is transfixing.
12. Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F minor: II. Largo
Recommended recording: Maria João Pires/Riccardo Chailly
To calm things down, this is one of Bach’s finest slow movements: every note sounds like a rare pearl. We all know this tune, but it never gets old.
George Lepauw’s recording of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier is available now on Orchid Classics.
