This is a completely revised 2003 edition of volumes I and II of The Organ Music of J. S. Bach (1980), a bestselling title, which has subsequently become a classic text. This edition takes account of Bach scholarship of the 25 years prior to publication. Peter Williams's piece-by-piece commentary puts the musical sources of the organ works in context, describing the form and content of each work and relating them to other music, German and non-German. He summarises the questions about the history, authenticity, chronology, function and performance of each piece, and points out important details of style and musical quality. The study follows the order of the Bach catalogue (BWV), beginning with the sonatas, then the 'free works', followed by chorales and ending with the doubtful works, including the 'newly discovered chorales' of 1985.
- Total revision of a best-seller
- Covers the most admired part of the organ repertory
- Provides valuable insights into the working of one of music's greatest minds
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Reviews & endorsements
On the first edition: '… obligatory for anyone concerned with the core of the organ repertory … Dr Williams's writing has a rare vigour and confidence; its sheer authority makes for compelling reading.' Stanley Sadie, Gramophone
'… is, without doubt, the most important text on the master's organ music.' Classical Music
' … there is no denying the stimulating nature of the content … you will find much to stimulate, provoke, invigorate … that is good scholarship.' Early Music Today
'The original publication was always stimulating to consult and highly thought-provoking, and it is pleasing that the author has retained this engaging - and sometimes quite challenging - approach. A remarkable achievement.' The Consort
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Product details
- Edition: 2nd Edition
- Date Published: December 2003
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521891158
- length: 638 pages
- dimensions: 243 x 172 x 32 mm
- weight: 1.04kg
- contains: 297 music examples
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Fugue in G Minor, BWV 131a
Six Sonatas, BWV 525-530
Preludes and Fugues (Praeludia), BWV 531-552
Eight Short Preludes and Fugues, BWV 553-560
Miscellaneous Pieces, BWV 561-591
Concertos, BWV 592-596
Orgelbüchlein, BWV 599-644
Schübler Chorales, BWV 645-650
Chorales formerly called 'The Eighteen', BWV 651-668
Chorales from Clavierübung III, BWV 669-689
Chorales formerly called 'The Kirnsberger Collection', BWV 690-713
Miscellaneous Chorales, BWV 714-765
Chorale Variations (Partitas), BWV 766-771
Four Duets from Clavierübung III, BWV 802-805
Chorales now called 'The Neumeister Collection', BWV 1090-1120
Further works, in part uncertain of origin
Calendar
Glossary.
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Author
Peter Williams
Peter Williams (1937–2016) was an internationally renowned Bach scholar and performer. He was Professor of Performance Practice and the first Director of the Russell Collection of Harpsichords at the University of Edinburgh, Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor at Duke University, North Carolina, and John Bird Professor at the University of Wales, Cardiff. He wrote numerous books on the organ, organ history and organ repertoire. The first edition of The Organ Music of J. S. Bach was published in 1980 (Volumes 1 and 2) and 1984 (Volume 3).