Bach, Johann Sebastian

Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a late Baroque German composer and performer. Instrumental works include the Cello Suites and Brandenburg Concertos, as well as keyboard pieces like the Goldberg Variations, The Well-Tempered Clavier, and the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and vocal works like the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor. He has been widely recognized as one of the finest composers in the history of Western music since the 19th-century Bach Revival.

When Johann Sebastian Bach was born as the last child of a city musician in Eisenach, the Bach family already had several composers. After being orphaned at the age of ten, he resided with his oldest brother Johann Christoph for five years before continuing his musical education in Lüneburg. He returned to Thuringia in 1703, working as a musician for Protestant churches in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, as well as for extended periods at courts in Weimar, where he developed his organ repertoire, and Köthen, where he primarily worked in chamber music. He worked as a Thomaskantor (cantor at St. Thomas) in Leipzig starting in 1723. He wrote a piece for the city's main Lutheran churches and the Collegium Musicum, the university's student group. He began publishing keyboard and organ music in 1726. He had tense ties with his employer at Leipzig, as he did in several of his previous jobs, a situation that was hardly improved when he was given the title of court composer by his ruler, Augustus III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, in 1736. He revised and expanded several of his previous works throughout the final decades of his life. At the age of 65, he died of complications after eye surgery in 1750.

Bach's command of counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organization, and his appropriation of rhythms, forms, and textures from outside, primarily from Italy and France, enhanced established German genres. Hundreds of religious and secular cantatas are among Bach's works. He wrote Latin church music, Passions, oratorios, and motets, among other works. He used Lutheran hymns often, not just in his major vocal works but also in his four-part chorales and holy songs. He composed a lot of music for the organ and other keyboard instruments. He wrote concertos for violin and harpsichord, as well as suites for chamber music and orchestra. Many of his compositions use the canon and fugue genres.

Bach's keyboard music, such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, was praised for its educational characteristics throughout the 18th century. Several significant Bach biographies were published in the nineteenth century, and by the end of the century, all of his known music had been printed. Scholarship on the composer continued to be disseminated via magazines (and subsequently, websites) dedicated only to him and other publications like the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV, a numbered catalog of his works) and new critical editions of his works. His work was popularized further via various arrangements, such as the Air on the G String and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," as well as recordings, such as three separate box sets including full performances of the composer's output commemorating his 250th birthday.

Viola Compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach | Animato Strings

19 products.

Sort by:

Showing 1-12 of 19 item(s)

Quick view

Bach Solo Cello Suites Arranged For Viola (Chester Music)

Bach Solo Cello Suites Arranged for Viola presents Johann Sebastian Bach's legendary Six Solo Cello Suites in an expertly adapted edition for viola. Published by Chester Music, these timeless masterpieces have long been regarded as essential repertoire for every serious violist, offering a lifetime of musical discovery and technical development.

Key Features:

• Published by Chester Music

• Features Bach's Six Solo Cello Suites

• Arranged for solo viola

• Essential Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate to professional players

• Develops tone, bow control, articulation, and phrasing

• Encourages expressive musical interpretation

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, auditions, and recitals

• Builds advanced technical and artistic skills

• A cornerstone of every serious violist's library

$41.95

Quick view

Bach, Drei (Three) Sonatas For Viola (Breitkopf & Härtel)

Drei (Three) Sonatas for Viola by Johann Sebastian Bach presents three beautifully crafted Baroque sonatas in an edition for viola. Published by Breitkopf & Härtel, this collection is an essential resource for violists seeking to develop both technical mastery and expressive musicianship.

Key Features:

• Published by Breitkopf & Härtel

• Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Three sonatas arranged for viola

• Classic Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, and bow control

• Encourages expressive phrasing and ornamentation

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced Baroque repertoire

• Essential addition to every serious violist's library

$39.55

Quick view

Bach, Six Sonatas And Partitas For Viola (IMC)

Experience Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas, now masterfully arranged for viola by Meyer-Vieland. This edition combines the architectural brilliance and emotional depth of Bach’s original violin works with the viola’s rich, resonant sound. Key features include:

• Faithful adaptation of all movements for viola

• Clear fingerings and editorial commentary for authentic interpretation

• Technical accessibility without compromising musical integrity

• Ideal for advanced students and professional violists

• Presented in the esteemed International Edition, ensuring quality and authority

$49.95

Quick view

Bach, Six Sonatas For Viola Vl 1 (Belwin Mills)

Six Sonatas for Viola – Volume 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach is a superb collection of Baroque sonatas arranged for viola. Published by Belwin Mills, this edition provides developing and advanced violists with essential repertoire for technical growth and expressive performance.

Key Features:

• Published by Belwin Mills

• Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Six sonatas arranged for viola

• Volume 1 of the series

• Classic Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced players

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced Baroque literature

• Essential addition to every viola library

$19.75

Quick view

Bach, Six Suites For Cello Arranged For Viola (Peters)

Six Suites for Cello Arranged for Viola by Johann Sebastian Bach, published by Edition Peters, presents Bach's iconic Six Solo Cello Suites in an expertly adapted edition for viola. These timeless masterpieces remain among the most important works for developing advanced technique, musical expression, and Baroque performance style.

Key Features:

• Published by Edition Peters

• Features Bach's Six Solo Cello Suites

• Expertly arranged for solo viola.

• Essential Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Encourages expressive musical interpretation

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced solo repertoire

• Essential library for every serious violist

$51.95

Quick view

Bach, Sixth Brandenburg Concerto In B Flat Major BWV 1051

Key Features:

• Published by Edition Peters

• Features Bach's Six Solo Cello Suites

• Expertly arranged for solo viola.

• Essential Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Encourages expressive musical interpretation

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced solo repertoire

• Essential library for every serious violist

$15.95

Quick view

Bach, Solo Cello Suites For Viola Arr. Forbes (Chester)

Solo Cello Suites for Viola by Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Watson Forbes and published by Chester Music, presents Bach's timeless Six Solo Cello Suites in one of the most respected editions for viola. This essential collection offers advanced technical and musical development while remaining a cornerstone of the modern viola repertoire.

Key Features:

• Published by Chester Music

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Arranged for viola by Watson Forbes

• Complete Solo Cello Suites

• Essential Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced solo repertoire

• Essential addition to every serious violist's library

$41.95

Quick view

Bach, Three Sonatas For Viola And Piano BWV 1027 - 1029 (Barenreiter)

Three Sonatas for Viola and Piano, BWV 1027–1029 by Johann Sebastian Bach, published by Bärenreiter, presents Bach's celebrated viola da gamba sonatas in an expertly prepared edition for viola and piano. These timeless chamber works combine elegant Baroque style with exceptional musical and technical depth, making them essential repertoire for advancing violists.

Key Features:

• Published by Bärenreiter

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Complete BWV 1027–1029 sonatas

• Arranged for viola and piano

• Scholarly Urtext edition

• Classic Baroque chamber repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Essential addition to every serious violist's library

$49.95

Quick view

Bach 6 Suites For Cello Transcribed For Viola (Ricordi)

6 Suites for Cello Transcribed for Viola by Johann Sebastian Bach, transcribed by Bruno Giuranna and published by Casa Ricordi, presents Bach's complete Six Solo Cello Suites in one of the most highly regarded editions for viola. This classic collection is an essential resource for violists seeking to develop advanced technique, musical independence, and authentic Baroque interpretation.

Key Features:

• Published by Casa Ricordi

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Transcribed for viola by Bruno Giuranna

• Complete Six Solo Cello Suites (BWV 1007–1012)

• Essential Baroque repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Excellent preparation for advanced solo repertoire

$43.95

Quick view

JS Bach, Three Gamba Sonatas For Viola And Piano BWV 1027 - 1029 (Henle)

Three Gamba Sonatas for Viola and Piano, BWV 1027–1029 by Johann Sebastian Bach, published in the renowned Henle Urtext edition, presents three of Bach's greatest chamber music works in an expertly prepared version for viola and piano. Combining elegant Baroque style with rich musical dialogue, this collection is essential repertoire for advancing violists.

Key Features:

• Published by G. Henle Verlag (Henle Urtext)

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Complete BWV 1027–1029 sonatas

• Arranged for viola and piano

• Scholarly Urtext edition

• Classic Baroque chamber repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced violists

• Develops tone, articulation, phrasing, and bow control

• Ideal for lessons, examinations, recitals, and auditions

• Essential addition to every serious violist's library

$51.95

Quick view

Bach 15 Duets For Violin & Viola After Two Part Inventions (IMC)

15 Duets for Violin & Viola after the Two-Part Inventions by Johann Sebastian Bach presents Bach's famous keyboard inventions in beautifully arranged chamber duets for violin and viola. Published by International Music Company, this collection is an outstanding resource for developing ensemble skills, musical independence, and Baroque performance practice.

Key Features:

• Published by International Music Company

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Based on the Fifteen Two-Part Inventions (BWV 772–786)

• Arranged for violin and viola

• Classic Baroque chamber repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced players

• Develops ensemble playing, rhythm, articulation, and intonation

• Ideal for lessons, chamber music, recitals, and examinations

• Encourages authentic Baroque interpretation

$32.95

Quick view

Bach 4 Duets For Violin And Viola (Universal)

4 Duets for Violin and Viola by Johann Sebastian Bach, published by Universal Edition, presents four beautifully arranged Baroque duets based on Bach's keyboard works BWV 802–805. This collection offers violinists and violists an outstanding opportunity to develop ensemble skills while exploring Bach's timeless contrapuntal writing.

Key Features:

• Published by Universal Edition

• Music by Johann Sebastian Bach

• Four duets for violin and viola

• Based on BWV 802–805

• Classic Baroque chamber repertoire

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced players

• Develops ensemble playing, rhythm, articulation, and intonation

• Ideal for lessons, chamber music, recitals, and examinations

• Encourages authentic Baroque interpretation

• Essential addition to violin and viola libraries

$54.95