Bach: The Musical Offering

Show & Culture

Frederick the Great of Prussia was not only a monarch, but also an enthusiastic musician, and in 1747 he challenged Bach to improvise a fugue on a theme he himself had composed. Bach complied immediately. Once home, he returned to this royal theme and transformed it into a compilation that included fugues, canons, and a trio sonata, which he sent to Frederick as a humble musical offering. An intellectual exercise, an act of devotion, and without doubt one of his most impressive works. The Academy of Ancient Music presents it on period instruments, bringing out every detail.