Jazz Sebastian Bach cover

Jazz Sebastian Bach

The Swingle Singers · 2000

65 min · 23 tracks · a cappella

A captivating blend of classical Bach compositions reimagined through intricate vocal harmonies and lively jazz rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fuge d moll aus „Die Kunst der Fuge“, BWV 1080 — This track exemplifies the core concept of the album by transforming a traditional fugue into an engaging vocal arrangement that highlights the group's intricate harmonies.
  • →
    Choral „Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme“ aus „Sechs Schübler Choräle“, BWV 645 — The choral is notable for its rich textures, demonstrating the Swingle Singers' ability to convey deep emotion through vocal layers while maintaining Bach's original intent.
  • →
    Präludium und Fuge Nr.1 C dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1 — This piece showcases a dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody, allowing the singers to explore improvisational elements typical of jazz while respecting Bach's structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative vocal arrangements and blends genres effectively, though it may not have widespread recognition.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate vocal arrangements that reinterpret Bach's compositions, often layering harmonies in a call-and-response format.
  • Each track maintains a lively tempo, with rhythmic variations that infuse jazz elements into the classical pieces.
  • Several tracks incorporate improvisational sections, allowing for spontaneous vocal interplay among the singers.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • vibrant a cappella improvisation
  • wave-like pacing for focus
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • playful rhythmic interpretations

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long, immersive pieces
  • prefer straightforward listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Innovative blend of classical and jazz, marking a significant thematic exploration.
Career context
By the year 2000, The Swingle Singers were well-established in the a cappella scene, known for their innovative arrangements. 'Jazz Sebastian Bach' marks a significant thematic exploration for the group, focusing on the intersection of classical music and jazz, following their previous successful projects such as 'The Swingle Singers' (1994). This album showcases their artistic evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of vocal performance.
Stylistic neighbors
Pentatonix· Voca People· The Bobs
New to The Swingle Singers? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Fuge d moll aus „Die Kunst der Fuge“, BWV 1080 2:21
  • 2 Choral „Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme“ aus „Sechs Schübler Choräle“, BWV 645 2:45
  • 3 Aria für vier Stimmen aus der „Suite Nr. 3 in D Dur“, BWV 1068 3:25
  • 4 Präludium Nr. 11 F dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil2, BWV 880 2:19
  • 5 Bourée aus „English Suite Nr. 2“ a moll, BWV 807 1:51
  • 6 Fuge Nr. 2 c moll aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 2, BWV 871 1:24
  • 7 Fuge Nr. 5 D dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 850 1:44
  • 8 Präludium Nr. 9 in E Moll aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 2, BWV 878 3:26
  • 9 Sinfonia aus „Partita Nr. 2“ c moll, BWV 826 5:02
  • 10 Präludium Nr. 1 C dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 870 2:04
  • 11 Kanon 2:02
  • 12 Invention Nr. 1 C dur für zwei Stimmen, BWV 772 1:30
  • 13 Fuge Nr. 5 D dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 874 3:24
  • 14 Vivace aus „Konzert für zwei Violinen, D Moll“, BWV 1043 3:27
  • 15 Präludium und Fuge Nr.10 e moll aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 855 3:09
  • 16 Chora „Jesus bleibet meine Freude“ aus der Kantate „Herz und Mund undTat und Leben“, BWV 147 3:27
  • 17 Gavotte aus „Partita Nr.3 E Dur“ für Violin Solo, BWV 1006 2:37
  • 18 Präludium und Fuge Nr. 1 C dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 846 3:30
  • 19 Fuge aus „Präludium und Fuge G dur“ für Orgel, BWV 541 3:22
  • 20 Adagio aus der „Sonate Nr. 3 für Violine und Cembalo in E Dur“, BWV 1016 4:03
  • 21 Präludium und Fuge Nr. 3 Cis dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 848 3:25
  • 22 Präludium zu dem Choral für Orgel „Nun komm der Heiden Heiland“, BWV 659 3:37
  • 23 Präludium und Fuge Nr. 21 B dur aus „Das Wohltemperierte Klavier“ Teil 1, BWV 866 1:25

What to play next

Keyboard Classics
Listen next

Keyboard Classics

2002

Continues the exploration of classical themes with a fresh instrumental approach.
Ticket to Ride – A Beatles Tribute
Go back to

Ticket to Ride – A Beatles Tribute

1999

Sets a playful tone that aligns with the jazz reinterpretations in Jazz Sebastian Bach.
Full The Swingle Singers discography Where to start with The Swingle Singers Artists like The Swingle Singers
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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata