56 Choral Preludes Etc. (The Little Organ Book)

With the present fifth volume of J. S. Bach's compositions for organ we start the works of this great master based on choral melodies. Their authenticity is frequently proved by autographs or old, copperplate original editions. It was not quite easy to establish the order in which to present these numerous masterworks; in this regard the practicability for the students as well as the historic position and artistic content had to be taken into account. We therefore are starting here with the smaller choral preludes, composed while at Cöthen, which the composer himself designated as preparatory exercises, and have them followed by Partitas and choral variations and ultimately the longer and more elaborate choral preludes. - Preface.