Bach Listening Assignment No.

2
The Piano Studio of Jennifer Boster

Bach's marriage to his wife Anna Magdalena was a happy one, and they shared a common love of music.
Bach dedicated some of his most inspired works to her, and she in turn contributed enthusiastically to
her husband's work, transcribing his music and organizing regular musical evenings with visiting
musicians at their Leipzig house.

Anna Magdalena received two Notebooks as personal gifts from Johann Sebastian, in 1722 and 1725.
The 1722 notebook contains works by Johann Sebastian Bach only (among which most of the French
Suites), while the 1725 notebook was with time filled with music by Bach and other composers of the
era, including his sons.

The Notebook for Anna Magdalena undoubtedly fulfilled an educational purpose in the musical
instruction of the Bach children. Furthermore, it can be regarded as a family musical album reflecting
the tastes of the Bach family and offering a precious glimpse into the domestic music of the 18th
century.

Adapted from sheetmusic2print.com

Listen to these pieces from the Anna Magdalena Notebook on pianosociety.com and write one or two
things you like about each piece. Rate each piece from one to five stars – one star is “I don’t really care
for this piece” and five stars is “I love this piece! I would love to learn it!” Enjoy!

1. Menuet in G Major %%%%%

2. Menuet in G minor %%%%%

3. Musette in D Major%%%%%

4. Menuet in D minor%%%%%