Bach's Major Vocal Works: Music, Drama, Liturgy (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780300217209)

Every year, Johann Sebastian Bach's major vocal works are performed to mark liturgical milestones in the Christian calendar. Written by a renowned Bach scholar, this concise and accessible book provides an introduction to the music and cultural contexts of the composer's most beloved masterpieces, including the Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio, and St. John Passion.

In addition to providing historical information, each chapter highlights significant aspects--such as the theology of love--of a particular piece. This penetrating volume is the first to treat the vocal works as a whole, showing how the compositions were embedded in their original performative context within the liturgy as well as discussing Bach's musical style, from the detailed level of individual movements to the overarching aspects of each work. Published in the approach to Easter when many of these vocal works are performed, this outstanding volume will appeal to casual concertgoers and scholars alike.

Author: Markus Rathey
ISBN-10: 030021720X
ISBN-13: 9780300217209
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 03/22/2016
Pages: 248
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.70w x 1.20d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/15/2016 pg. 106
Choice 09/01/2016