The Essential Bach Choir by

The Essential Bach Choir is a meticulously curated collection of Johann Sebastian Bach's most renowned choral compositions. This volume showcases the depth and diversity of Bach's musical genius, offering a journey through his sacred and secular works that have captivated audiences for centuries. /n/n From the majestic harmonies of the Mass in B Minor to the intimate beauty of the motets, this book provides an in-depth exploration of Bach's choral masterpieces. It includes detailed analyses, historical context, and insights into the compositional techniques that make Bach's music timeless.

Reviews

Five Books · Igor Toronyi-Lalic · 2024-05-22

must-read 4.75

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Bach's choral music. It offers a unique perspective and is well-researched.

Igor Toronyi-Lalic highly recommends this book, praising its unique perspective and thorough research. He notes that the book is not just for scholars but for anyone interested in the performance of Bach's works. Toronyi-Lalic appreciates the author's approach to detective work, unraveling the mysteries of Bach's intentions. He highlights the book's potential to influence future performances of Bach's music. The review is positive, with Toronyi-Lalic acknowledging the book's value to both academics and enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

Yes, definitely, and that's also why I chose The Bach Choir by Andrew Parrot.

It's detective work in some ways, dealing with the hugely contentious issue of how many people Bach wanted to sing in his great choral works.

It's not just for academics; anyone with a love for Bach's music will find it enlightening.

JSTOR · Geoffrey Webber · 2001-02-01

comprehensive 4.50

This book is a comprehensive study of Bach's choral works, offering a unique perspective on performance practices. It is well-researched and thought-provoking.

Geoffrey Webber provides a detailed and nuanced review of Andrew Parrott's work. He highlights the book's thorough research and its contribution to the understanding of Bach's choral music. Webber notes that the book is not just for scholars but for anyone interested in the performance of Bach's works. He appreciates the author's approach to detective work, unraveling the mysteries of Bach's intentions. The review is positive, with Webber acknowledging the book's potential to influence future performances of Bach's music.

Quick quotes

It's detective work in some ways, dealing with the hugely contentious issue of how many people Bach wanted to sing in his great choral works.

A brilliant piece of research...a superb book - and it is going to lead us all to think more carefully about how we approach the performance of Bach.

It's not just for academics; anyone with a love for Bach's music will find it enlightening.

Goodreads · 2000-02-09

insightful 4.00

This book offers a deep dive into Bach's choral works, presenting well-researched insights. It challenges traditional views and encourages a fresh perspective on Bach's music.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Bach's choral music. The author delves into the historical and performance practices of Bach's time, offering a fresh perspective on how his music might have been performed. It's a bit dense, but the insights are invaluable. The book challenges some long-held assumptions and encourages readers to think critically about the interpretation of Bach's works. It's not just for academics; anyone with a love for Bach's music will find it enlightening.

Quick quotes

Seeking to understand the very medium of Bach's incomparable choral output, Andrew Parrott investigates a wide range of Bach's own writings, and ...

This book was simply convincing.

It is going to lead us all to think more carefully about how we approach the performance of Bach.

Appears in Lists

The best books on Classical Music