Check out J.S. Bach's version of math rock in this recording of The Musical Offering by Slovakian chamber orchestra Capella Istropolitana. Bach, challenged in 1747 by King Frederick II of Prussia to compose a fugue based on a highly complex melody, took the task several steps further and wrote ten canons, two ricercars, and a sonata for good measure.

The complicated and sad-sounding main theme, played unaccompanied in the beginning seconds of the first track, weaves its way through each of the tracks as the connecting thread of the entire multifarious offering. In the "Canon perpetuus" the theme is played by the cello while the oboe and bassoon spin out a melancholy melody in canon above and below it. Likewise, in the "Ricercar a 6" the low strings present the theme, this time in close repetition, quickly creating a thick texture out of which the beginning of the theme can be heard to rise periodically.

Canon perpetuus a Flauto traverso, Violino e Basso
Ricercar a 6

Tracks 7 through 10 comprise the four movements of the "Sonata sopra il Soggetto Reale" ("Sonata on the Royal Theme"). The sonata is one of the few pieces in the entire collection for which Bach specified the instrumentation; for all of the other pieces it is up to the performers to decide which instruments to use. The "Andante" movement of the sonata is particularly charming in its graceful, dancelike gestures.

Sonata sopra il Soggetto Reale: Largo
Sonata sopra il Soggetto Reale: Allegro
Sonata sopra il Soggetto Reale: Andante
Sonata sopra ill Soggetto Reale: Allegro

For some serious brain stimulation, hear this passionate, hyper-intellectual offering.

Recommended Tracks:
Canon perpetuus super Thema Regium
Sonata sopra il Soggetto Reale: Andante