J.S. Bach's major works for voices and instruments : a listener's guide / Melvin P. Unger.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Unger, Melvin P., 1950-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750. Choral music.

Bach, Johann Sebastian.

Physical Description:

x, 141 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Md. : Scarecrow Press, 2005.

Summary:

J. S. Bach's Major Works for Voices and Instruments: A Listener's Guide is designed for those wishing to better understand the dramatic thrust of Bach's four major works for voices and instruments: The Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, and Mass in B Minor. It is based on extensive program notes prepared for Baldwin-Wallace College's Bach Festival, an annual event that has cycled through the four masterworks since its 1933 founding by Albert Riemenschneider.

Giving priority to the most prominent auditory and dramatic features of the music, Unger guides the listener through each work, movement by movement, with an integrated commentary and text-translation. Particular attention is given to the interaction of text and music, suggesting reasons for Bach's musical choices. A general introduction begins the chapter for each work, and the libretti are rendered according to the new critical edition of Bach's works (Neue Bach-Ausgabe). Scriptural texts appear in italics, and chorale (hymn) texts are printed in bold. The book includes a glossary of terms, an index of movements, and a bibliography.

Contents:

Christmas oratorio

St. John passion

St. Matthew passion

Mass in B minor.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 125-127) and index.

ISBN:

0810852985

OCLC:

56777928