Which choral works by JS Bach affects you the most?

1 month ago 39

I'm trying to make time this week to just relax, sit down and listen to the entirety of the Mass in B minor for the first time in forever. I watched a few videos of people talking about the Mass and I'm excited. Is the Mass in B minor the "pinnacle" piece of JS Bach?

I recently sort of fell in love with Bach again after playing some of his solo keyboard works like the WTC, Toccatas, and Partitas. Sometimes the ending of the Overture of Partita 4 is so overwhelming I get this primal feeling in me and I sing the last few notes from my core and have to ritardando the last few measures because of the sheer glory/beauty of the music. I want to get that same experience when I listen to Bach's choral works but I want suggestions on where to start.

Should I listen to the Passions, which one first? Which cantatas, oratorios, four-part chorales, etc. are the most affecting to you?

I love the Motets BWV 225-230, especially 225 and 227. The blending of so many voices, the counterpoint, the lyrics, the passion.

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