Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Playing the Inventions," Howard Nemerov offers a rich and contemplative homage to Johann Sebastian Bach, exploring the complexities of music, the nature of artistic creation, and the enduring impact of Bach's work. Through a blend of poetic reflection and musical terminology, Nemerov delves into the profound influence of Bach's "Inventions," showcasing their intricate beauty and timeless significance.

The poem opens with an epigraph that outlines Bach’s intention behind his "Inventions"—to teach students the art of playing multiple voices clearly and to inspire a cantabile style, a singing manner of playing. This introduction sets the tone for a deep dive into the mechanics and philosophy of Bach’s music.

In the first section, Nemerov begins with the idea that the simplest musical motif—a scale, a shake, a broken chord—can serve as the foundation for complex musical exploration. He emphasizes that "originality / Is immaterial," suggesting that the true value of music lies in its development and the paths it takes the listener through. The imagery of mirrors reflecting voices in time highlights the intricate counterpoint in Bach’s compositions, where each voice interacts with the others in a harmonious, self-referential dance.

The second section explores the seemingly arbitrary nature of sound breaking silence, yet recognizes its powerful potential to shape subsequent sounds. Nemerov marvels at the "mystery of mind" that understands the world through repetition and modeling, turning accidents into fate. This process is likened to spinning a labyrinth or unfolding an oak from an acorn, capturing the transformative power of music to create order and meaning from randomness.

The third section addresses the paradox of music’s detached beauty and the suffering it transcends. Nemerov reflects on the "two hundred and fifty years" since Bach's time, a period marked by human suffering, yet the music remains a source of implacable happiness and austere beauty. The "order of its lovely, lonely world" of music provides a unique form of justice and surprise, creating a timeless realm that contrasts sharply with the transient nature of human life.

In the fourth section, Nemerov recounts an anecdote about the famous harpsichordist Wanda Landowska, who asserted the importance of interpreting Bach's music authentically. He notes that while technology allows us to preserve the sound of music, it cannot capture the spirit and presence of the performers. The inventions, representing Bach’s works, outlive their creators, embodying a form of immortality through the perpetuation of the music itself.

The final section brings a personal touch, as Nemerov addresses Bach directly, expressing gratitude for the "privilege" of engaging with his music. He describes a serene scene where a breeze rustles the leaves, casting shadows over the instrument and Bach's manuscript. The poem's speaker, an amateur "lover of the clavier," finds solace and inspiration in Bach’s compositions, which momentarily dissolve the world’s sorrows in their intricate, intertwining currents. This section celebrates the enduring beauty and intellectual depth of Bach’s music, acknowledging its role in providing both comfort and challenge to generations of musicians and listeners.

"Playing the Inventions" is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of musical creation, the passage of time, and the enduring legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. Through vivid imagery and philosophical insights, Howard Nemerov captures the profound connection between artist and art, highlighting the timeless relevance and transformative power of Bach’s work. The poem invites readers to appreciate the intricate beauty of the inventions and to reflect on the ways in which music transcends the ephemeral nature of human existence.

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