The Organ Music of J. S. Bach - Tapa dura

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

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.