Expanded program notes for a graduate recital of J.S. Bach's Capriccio on the departure of a beloved brother, BWV 992, performed June 13, 2014

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Abstract

This creative project has presented a comprehensive overview of the context and significance of the only programmatic piece written for the keyboard by J.S. Bach. The full title given for this composition is Capriccio sopra la lontananza del suo fratello dilettissimo / Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother. The programmatic composition was dedicated to his brother Johann Jacob Bach (1682–1722). This piece traditionally has been associated with the departure of Johann Jacob, who decided to enter the service of the Royal Swedish Army of King Charles XII as oboist. This Capriccio is a piece that outlines all of the features of developed Baroque music, but in addition it explores other characteristic features of Bach’s writing. The individuality of this composition lies in its programmatic content, which is perfectly framed into this six-movement piece.