From Library Journal
Bach's life and work has been of interest to musicians and scholars for over 200 years. This collection of essays by Wolff ( The New Grove Bach Family , Norton, 1983) illuminates aspects of Bach's life through his music. Written over a 25-year period, the essays are documented in an extensive bibliography and have been updated with postscripts when necessary. Whenever possible, Wolff has gone directly to Bach's manuscripts to form his theses. For example, the question of the final "unfinished" fugue in the "Art of the Fugue" is resolved by notes in Bach's own hand that were revealed by infra-red photography. The book is illustrated with facsimiles, tables, and musical examples. Although it contains considerable technical material, it is largely accessible to the knowledgeable layperson and will be welcomed by serious students and performers. Essential for music libraries and a valuable addition to larger serious music collections.- Sherry Feintuch, Dauphin Cty . Lib. System, Harrisburg, Pa.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Bach: Essays on His Life and Music FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Bach's life and work has been of interest to musicians and scholars for over 200 years. This collection of essays by Wolff ( The New Grove Bach Family , Norton, 1983) illuminates aspects of Bach's life through his music. Written over a 25-year period, the essays are documented in an extensive bibliography and have been updated with postscripts when necessary. Whenever possible, Wolff has gone directly to Bach's manuscripts to form his theses. For example, the question of the final ``unfinished'' fugue in the ``Art of the Fugue'' is resolved by notes in Bach's own hand that were revealed by infra-red photography. The book is illustrated with facsimiles, tables, and musical examples. Although it contains considerable technical material, it is largely accessible to the knowledgeable layperson and will be welcomed by serious students and performers. Essential for music libraries and a valuable addition to larger serious music collections.-- Sherry Feintuch, Dauphin Cty . Lib. System, Harrisburg, Pa.
Booknews
The 32 essays in this collection, half of them heretofore not available in English, represent 25 years of scholarship by one of the preeminent authorities on J.S. Bach. Wolff's goals in his wide-ranging studies have been to uncover historical evidence of various kinds; to refine understanding of Bach's creative life, artistic development, and compositional intentions; and to illuminate the substance of his music. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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