Quaerendo invenietis in J.S. Bach’s Musical Offering BWV 1079

Authors

  • Anatoly P. Milka Author
  • Marina Ritzarev Bar-Ilan University Translator

Keywords:

J.S. Bach, Musical Offering BWV 1079, Frederick II, King of Prussia, Quaerendo invenietis, Canon a 2

Abstract

The article offers a new view on the meaning of the Latin expression Quaerendo invenietis used by Bach for the Canon a 2 of the Musical Offering (BWV 1079). Contrary to spread opinion that Bach quotes the Bible, the author precises that it was not a quotation, which reads quaerite, et invenietis, and could not be a quotation because the Biblical expression contains an imperative form of the verb – unacceptable in addressing the King, to whom the Musical Offering was dedicated. Another point considered in the article is the relation of the inscription Quaerendo invenietis; To one canon or two? Analyzing typical Bach’s graphical design, the author establishes that it relates to a particular piece: to the Canon a 2, following Ricercar a 6. Based on these findings, A. Milka concludes that the inscription above Canon a 2 indicates that the canon is located in the wrong place, and only study of Bach’s algorithm in construction the entire cycle of the Musical Offering gives an answer about its location as originally designed by J.S. Bach. 

Author Biography

  • Anatoly P. Milka

    Anatoly P. Milka is Professor and Dr Habil of Musicology at the St Petersburg Conservatory and the St Petersburg State University, Russia. His publications in Russian include Theoretical Foundations of Functionality in Music (St Petersburg, 1982); Bach’s Musical Offering: Toward  Reconstruction and Interpretation (Moscow, 1999); Intriguing Bachiana (with Tatiana  Shabalina; St Petersburg, 1997, 2001); a facsimile edition of L‘A.B.C. Musical von Gottfried  Kirchhoff (St  Petersburg, 2004), and Bach’s The Art of Fugue: Toward Reconstruction and Interpretation (St  Petersburg, 2009). This is his first book appearing in English. 

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Published

2024-04-23

Issue

Vol. 13 (2016)

Section

Articles