This is a different compositional principle than most of us are used to. The goal of the contrapuntal composer is to weave together multiple lines to create a cohesive musical whole. A predominant feature of music during the historical period known as the Baroque Era (1600–1750), counterpoint treats each ‘line’ of music as an independent melody. However, Bach’s work provides a unique challenge for budding keyboardists, due in large part to its use of a stylistic mode of compositional design known as counterpoint.
The ability to play Bach is a goal aspired to by players the world over. Few composers from history inspire awe and veneration quite like Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750).
