Switched-On Bach cover

Switched-On Bach

Wendy Carlos · 1968

40 min · 12 tracks · electronic

A groundbreaking fusion of classical composition and electronic soundscapes, reimagining Bach for the synthesizer age.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration
  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • headphone detail hunting
  • playful reinterpretations of classics

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1968, 'Switched-On Bach' was Wendy Carlos's debut album that introduced the Moog synthesizer to mainstream audiences. At this point, Carlos was transitioning from her academic background in music composition to a pioneering role in electronic music, which would define her career trajectory and influence future generations of musicians.
Stylistic neighbors
Isao Tomita· Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sinfonia to Cantata No. 29 3:27
  • 2 Air on the G String 2:33
  • 3 Two-Part Invention in F major 0:43
  • 4 Two-Part Invention in B-flat major 1:30
  • 5 Two-Part Invention in D minor 0:52
  • 6 Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring 2:59
  • 7 Prelude and Fugue No. 7 (from Well-Tempered Clavier, book I) 7:11
  • 8 Prelude and Fugue No. 2 (from Well-Tempered Clavier, book I) 2:47
  • 9 Chorale Prelude "Wachet Auf" 3:38
  • 10 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: I. Allegro 6:29
  • 11 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: II. Andante 2:51
  • 12 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: III. Allegro 5:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata