Mi Fa, et Fa Mi est tota musica (BWV 1078)

On March 1, 1749, Bach penned the following into a Stammbuch:

Today’s episode covers this canon in depth. What does it mean? How does it sound?

Here is a link to the article by scholar, Anatoly Milka.

The book, Bach and the meaning of Counterpoint, by David Yearsley is available here.

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Concepts Covered:

The Mi Fa et Fa Mi canon, BWV 1078, is one of Bach’s puzzle canons, demonstrating his unparalleled command of counterpoint theory and inventive compositional techniques. Written as a 7-voice canon, this work, inscribed in a Stammbuch on March 1, 1749, reflects his late-period fascination with musical puzzles and structured complexity. Scholars such as Anatoly Milka and David Yearsley have explored its deeper significance, shedding light on Bach’s innovative canons and their place in Bach music scholarship. As we analyze Bach’s use of counterpoint, we uncover the intricate interplay of voices that define his style. This episode delves into Bach music history, his compositional techniques, and the broader implications of Bach’s musical meaning in this enigmatic work.