A Musical Einstein: J.S. Bach and the Art Counterpoint

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida International University is hosting a lecture that will investigate J.S. Bach’s genius in writing polyphonic works and will offer participants an introduction to the composer and his most famed collection of keyboard works, the Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC). Bach’s musical style often incorporated one of the most intellectually demanding compositional processes-counterpoint. Simply defined as note-against-note, this style of writing dominated much of the Baroque period and often featured the composer’s prowess in writing overlapping melodies-much like the well-known piece “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat.” Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to listen to the following in preparation for class: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C minor (Book I of the WTC).

This lecture is being held in person at FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus and live streamed via Zoom. Advanced registration required. Zoom link will be sent 24 hours in advance. This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia in partnership with Florida International University.