In today's perspective on how classical music should be played, it's easy to forget that Bach didn't demand his music played as written. He saw written music as

In today's perspective on how classical music should be played, it's easy to forget that Bach didn't demand his music played as written. He saw written music as a mere suggestion, not a directive. Bach refused to take on any student who didn't show a knack for improvisation and composition. In the world of Bach's music, if the performer wanted something charming, then he or she would alter the sheet music and play it with charm, but if they wanted that same piece to be sinister, then it was played and expressed as such.