Johann Sebastian Bach

Complete Organ Works, Vol. VIII

The Complete Organ Works of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), composed primarily between c. 1703 and 1749, constitute one of the most significant achievements in Western music and form the cornerstone of the organ repertoire. Written during Bach's appointments in Arnstadt, Mühlhausen, Weimar, Köthen, and Leipzig, these works encompass a remarkable variety of genres, including preludes and fugues, toccatas, fantasias, chorale preludes, trio sonatas, concertos, and large-scale liturgical cycles such as the Orgelbüchlein, Clavier-Übung III, and the Leipzig Chorales. The music reflects both the rich Lutheran tradition and Bach's synthesis of German, Italian, and French musical styles, while also serving practical functions in church worship, pedagogy, and virtuoso performance. Although much of this music was known only through manuscript copies during Bach's lifetime, it was rediscovered and championed in the 19th century, becoming central to the revival of his music. Today Bach's Complete Organ Works stand unrivaled at the heart of the organ literature, studied and performed by virtually every serious organist. Published in nine volumes, Volume 8 includes the following 12 works: 1. Concerto I a 2 Clav. e Pedale; 2. Concerto II a 2 Clav. e Pedale; 3. Concerto III a 2 Clav. e Pedale; 4. Concerto IV a 2 Clav. e Pedale; 5. Acht kleine Praeludien und Fugen (8 Little Preludes and Fugues); 6. Alla Breve pro Organo pleno; 7. Praeludium; 8. Praeludium pro Organo pleno; 9. Fantasia; 10. Fuga; 11. Praeludium; 12. Fuga. Reprint edition.