Beyond the divine: The mischievous, human genius hidden inside J.S. Bach’s complex musical puzzles
In short: We often view J.S. Bach as a transcendent, god-like figure of musical perfection. Yet, beneath his sublime precision lies a playful, human spirit. From puzzle canons requiring performers to solve riddles to melodies that run backwards, Bach’s work is filled with ingenious trickery, hidden symbols, and deliberate, complex mathematical games.
The perception of Bach as an untouchable genius is so pervasive that some once argued including his music on the Voyager I Golden Record amounted to mere 'showing off.' This view frames his compositions as divine, timeless artifacts that exist beyond the reach of human struggle. However, this perspective often ignores the reality of his life: a career defined by relentless study, weakening eyesight, and the messy, physical labor of quill and ink. He navigated difficult patrons, demanding deadlines, and personal bereavement, all while adapting his work to shifting musical tastes.
Central to this human side of Bach is his penchant for 'puzzle canons.' In these works, the score is not fully written out; instead, the performer must solve a musical riddle to determine how the melody should be played. These puzzles are part of a broader repertoire of tricks, including melodies that invert or reverse themselves, endless loops, and the subtle embedding of names and numbers into the music. These techniques demonstrate a marriage of two distinct intelligences: the technical 'brainwork' required to construct complex abstractions and the emotional sensitivity needed to communicate deep feeling.
Milton Mermikides, Gresham Professor of Music, argues that unravelling these threads reveals a sense of humanity and playfulness that is often overlooked. By moving past the myth of effortless, God-given inspiration, we can better appreciate the labor behind his output. Whether he was walking 280 miles to hear an organist or pouring over Vivaldi’s scores by candlelight, Bach’s music remains a testament to human achievement. His ability to balance rigorous counterpoint with expressive power suggests that his genius was not a supernatural gift, but a product of intense, lifelong dedication to his craft.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What is a Puzzle Canon? The Divine Trickery of J.S. Bach - Milton Mermikides
- Also: Bach’s Invention: The Divine Trickery of J.S. Bach
- Also: What is a Puzzle Canon? The Divine Trickery of J.S. Bach - Milton Mermikides - Gresham College Lectures
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