The creative development of Johann Sebastian Bach

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This book provides an in-depth examination of the works of one of the greatest composers, focusing on the early part of J. S. Bach's career from 1695 to 1717. By analyzing the music chronologically, it reveals a coherent picture of Bach's creative evolution, integrating various repertoires such as cantatas, organ music, and keyboard compositions. The volume is structured into two parts: the early works and the mature Weimar compositions, each exploring four categories of composition: large-scale keyboard works, preludes, fantasias, and fugues; organ chorales; and cantatas. Each section begins with a detailed list of works, including original titles, catalogue numbers, and earliest sources, making it a valuable reference for understanding Bach's oeuvre and his artistic growth. The subtitle, "Music to Delight the Spirit," reflects not only a study of style and technique but also a critical evaluation of Bach's music and its remarkable qualities. It incorporates significant advancements in Bach scholarship over the last 50 years, addressing influences on his early music and issues of dating and authenticity. This comprehensive approach helps clarify the distinctions between Bach's early and mature works, as well as his unique position among his predecessors and contemporaries, ultimately illustrating why his later compositions are unmistakably 'Bachian.'