Friday, December 26, 2008

Bach's Partita No. 1 Sarabande Dedicated to Kent Passey

Here is another work by J.S. Bach to accompany the Minuet from last week. This one is another excerpt from a longer work (as Victor Borge used to joke - because I can't play the whole thing). It is the Sarabande from his Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major. The entire work is marvelous, as are most of Bach's compositions. However, this particular section has always been among my favorite pieces of music to play. I've never performed this one publicly but have reserved it for those times when my heart needs to express what my mind cannot... and for when my spirit has something to ponder or meditate upon. The melody is simple, the chords are expressive, and like wonderful poetry, there is so much room for personal emotion and thought to come out. I am indebted to Bach for producing such inspirational music.

Dedication
This recording is dedicated to a good friend of mine, Kent Passey. His family used to live across the street from us and our kids played together frequently. They moved out a while back, but we still get the chance to get together once in a while. A few days ago he stopped by with the kids and we had a moment to catch up. I was reminded of the important role that true friendship plays in our lives. Our society is founded upon relationships - some strong, others weak; some direct, others are subtle; some are intimate while others are awkward; but our entire culture and society is woven by the threads of relationships between each of us. Kent and his children have been an important thread in the relationships that make up my family's life and so I dedicate this recording to him as a show of appreciation.

You can download a copy of this recording by visiting my Lisztonian website or by clicking here. You may also subscribe to my free iTunes podcast or use the embedded media player below to listen online. I suggest subscribing to my podcast so that you can automatically download any new recordings as they come out.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi there fellow musician and friend!
I am truly blessed by the words you said to your friend Jonathan. It really helped me a lot at this very moment. I am actually trying to compose a new piece today and I could hardly start anything which would satisfy me to have a great start and you know what. The words you said to your friend is very inspiring and even the lines that you've included. I barely have 2 days to do this composition and I can't just sleep. It's a good thing I bumped into your page. I remembered the first time I decided to study music, I was full of passion and determined. I would admit that being a musician is not an easy path but I would say that you are an inspiration to me. I am was motivated by people like you and I would remember you my friend as soon as this piece is finished and performed on february!

Happy New Year to You! God BLess You!

Kim Nimrod Cruz
Manila, Philippines

Jeremiah Jones said...

Dear Kim:

I am so glad that you have found some measure of assistance through my site. It is always such a motivation to know that we are making a difference in the lives of others.

I certainly wish you the very best in your composition! It sounds like you are under a tight deadline to complete the work... if you don't mind me asking, what is this composition for? You mentioned that you will be performing it in February... what type of composition is this - instrumental, orchestral? Again, I wish you the very best in your endeavors. I hope to hear from you again and would love to hear what you have written once it is finished.

Sincerely,
Jeremiah