The Cantatas of J.S. Bach: An Analytical Guide

By W. Murray Young

A thorough and invaluable reference for students of music, church groups, listeners and performers, this work translates the libretti, or text, of each of 253 sacred and secular cantatas by Bach into current, readable English and provides interpretative commentary on each movement.The cantatas are listed chronologically according to the town or city where Bach composed them. The sacred cantatas are discussed first, followed by secular ones. The Easter, Ascension, and Christmas oratorios are covered iin great detail. The text includes biographical information whenever relevant. An appendix lists the three cantata types (free--that is, based directly on the Bible and treated by Bach as he wished for choir and soloists; solo; and chorale) by their BWV (Bachwerke Verzeichnis) numbers. The general index also includes names of librettists and places involved in the writing or performing of the cantatas.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0899503942
• ISBN13: 9780899503943
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: McFarland Publishing
• Length: 307 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"