The music of Johann Sebastian Bach : the sources, the style, the significance

Assesses Bach's position in the history of music, and examines the cultural significance of his achievement. The book also analyzes his compositional method, and considers the question of performance practice, with particular reference to the definition of authenticity. The 16 essays collected here of two kinds: stylistic and historical inquiries, and studies of the original sources. The articles deal with the music and shed new light on the composer's life. Part 1 reconsiders Bach's historical position and assesses the cultural significance of his achievement; Parts 2, 3 and 4 draw upon the original sources to explore the compositional process, questions of authenticity and chronology, and controversial issues of performance practice