Sound. Sense. Soul. These are the guiding principles of MusikRoel. And if ever two artists embodied this triad across centuries, it would be Johann Sebastian Bach and The Beatles.
One, the master of fugues and counterpoint, the other a group of four young musicians who forever reshaped the language of popular music. But what could they possibly have in common? Can we find an answer in the numbers?
The Architecture of Sound
At the heart of Bach’s music is structure, mathematical, elegant, and divine. A fugue by Bach unfolds like a cathedral being built in real time: each voice independent, yet contributing to a unified whole. Likewise, many Beatles songs, especially those from the later albums, show a fascination with layered structure and musical logic. Think of “Because” from Abbey Road, with its three-part harmonies inspired (in fact) by a Beethoven sonata played backwards. Or “Paperback Writer,” where Paul’s bass line dances counterpoint to the vocal melody.
These are no mere coincidences. The Beatles, though self-taught in many ways, were surrounded by producers and musicians steeped in the tradition of Western art music. George Martin, their producer, often called the “Fifth Beatle”, was trained in classical music and regularly translated their experimental instincts into structured, orchestrated arrangements.
Bach built fugues. The Beatles built soundscapes. Both were architects of musical space.
Finding the connections
- Influence on Composition:
- Bach’s intricate counterpoint and harmonic structures have influenced many musicians, including The Beatles. For instance, the piano solo in “In My Life” is said to be inspired by Bach’s Inventions, demonstrating how classical techniques can be blended with popular music.
- Musical Techniques:
- The Beatles often incorporated classical elements into their songs, which can be traced back to the influence of Bach. Their use of melodic lines and harmonic progressions reflects a profound understanding of musical theory, as exemplified by Bach.
- George Martin’s Role:
- George Martin, the producer for The Beatles, had a classical background and appreciated Bach’s work. His arrangements often incorporated classical techniques, which helped bridge the gap between classical and popular music.
- Cultural Impact:
- Both Bach and The Beatles have left an indelible mark on music history. Bach is often regarded as the pinnacle of Baroque music, while The Beatles revolutionized pop and rock music. Their legacies continue to inspire musicians across genres.
- Personal Connections:
- Paul McCartney has mentioned that Bach was a significant influence on him, particularly in his songwriting. This personal connection adds another layer to their relationship, as McCartney sought to incorporate Bach’s genius into his own work.
Bach’s numbers
Johann Sebastian Bach’s music is not only celebrated for its emotional depth and technical mastery but also for its intricate relationship with numbers and numerology. Here are some fascinating insights into the importance of numbers in Bach’s compositions:
- Numerical Symbolism:
- Bach often embedded symbolic numbers in his works, drawing from biblical and personal meanings. For instance, the number 14 (derived from the letters in his name: B+A+C+H) appears frequently in his compositions, symbolizing his identity and faith.
- Mathematical Structure:
- Bach’s approach to composition was highly mathematical. He could efficiently create entire works from a single line of music, showcasing his ability to manipulate musical ideas through numerical relationships.
- Significance of Specific Numbers:
- The number 3 often represents Divinity, while 4 symbolizes Humanity. The number 7 is particularly significant as it symbolizes perfection and is often associated with Christ, who embodies both human and divine qualities.
- Fibonacci Sequence:
- Bach’s music also incorporates elements of the Fibonacci sequence, with numbers like 144 and 233 appearing in his vocal works. These numbers are known for their mathematical properties and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the overall beauty of his compositions.
- Mathematical Patterns:
- Recent studies have revealed that Bach’s music contains mathematical patterns that help convey information and emotions, demonstrating his genius in blending art with mathematics.
I visited the house in Leipzig where Bach lived and composed, opposite the church and its choir, where he conducted. Numbers also played a role in his life, like, he had two wives and nineteen children.
The numbers of The Beatles
Numbers and numerology do play intriguing roles in The Beatles’ music, particularly through the perspectives of the band members, especially John Lennon. Here are some fascinating points to consider:
- John Lennon’s Fascination with Number Nine:
- John Lennon had a significant connection with the number 9. He was born on October 9, 1940, and often referred to the number as meaningful in his life. He even mentioned that he felt he was a number six or three, but it all tied back to nine. This number appears in various contexts in his work and life.
- Song Lyrics and Numbers:
- The Beatles frequently incorporated numbers into their lyrics. For example, in the song “Eight Days a Week,” the title itself emphasizes the number 8, suggesting an endless love. Similarly, in “One After 909,” the number 9 is prominent, reflecting Lennon’s personal significance to that number.
- Numerical Patterns:
- Some fans and analysts have observed that certain songs feature numerical patterns or structures that convey a deeper meaning. For instance, the counting in “One, Two, Three, Four” from “All My Loving” sets a rhythmic and thematic foundation that resonates with listeners.
- Cultural References:
- The Beatles’ music often reflects broader cultural themes, and numbers can symbolize various concepts. For example, the number 7 is often associated with perfection, which can be seen in the way they crafted their songs.
- Lennon’s Spirituality:
- Lennon’s interest in numerology and spirituality, which developed later in life, also influenced his music. He explored various philosophies that often incorporated numerological elements, which are also evident in his solo work.
The interplay of numbers in The Beatles’ music adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue, much like in Bach’s compositions!
The Beatles song that famously uses a 7/4 time signature is “All You Need Is Love.” This iconic track features a unique structure where the verse pattern is split into two 7/4 measures followed by a bar of 8/4, creating a distinctive rhythmic feel. The chorus then shifts to a steady 4/4 beat, with a final bar of 6/4 at the end. This innovative use of time signatures showcases The Beatles’ creativity and willingness to experiment with musical forms
Sense: Order in Chaos
Bach composed to reveal the order of the cosmos. His music expresses the world not as it appears, but as it ought to be: balanced, clear, complete. In a very different century, The Beatles responded to chaos with musical transformation. As the 1960s spun into cultural fragmentation, they turned inward, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, to find a deeper center.
There’s a shared logic here: not just the intelligence behind the music, but the sensing of something larger. Something that holds when the rest of the world shakes.
Listen to In My Life. The middle section features a Baroque-style piano solo, sped up in post-production to simulate the sound of a harpsichord. Is it a nod to Bach? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s a recognition that the past, like memory itself, can be reimagined with love.
Soul: The Inner Voice
Ultimately, what joins Bach and the Beatles is the spiritual dimension of their music.
Bach wrote Soli Deo Gloria, “To God alone the glory,” on most of his manuscripts. Every note was an offering. The Beatles, though not religious in the same way, offered their own form of soulfulness. Let It Be, Across the Universe, Blackbird—these are hymns of a different age, but they, too, reach for something sacred.
Bach’s use of numbers adds a profound layer of meaning to his music, inviting listeners to explore not just the sound, but also the underlying structures that make his compositions timeless. Isn’t it fascinating how numbers can intertwine with art in such a meaningful way? If you have more questions about Bach or any other topic, feel free to ask
The connection between Johann Sebastian Bach and The Beatles is quite fascinating, as both have had a profound impact on music in their respective eras. Both remind us that music isn’t just sound. It’s a form of listening to the world, to each other, to the self. Moreover, it’s intriguing to see how Bach’s music has transcended time and influenced modern artists like The Beatles.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Perhaps the real magic is not that Bach and the Beatles are alike, but that they can speak to one another. Through time. Across styles. In the silence between notes. That’s the kind of music MusikRoel lives for, where Sound becomes Sense, and Sense becomes Soul.