The Registration of J.S. Bach's Organ Works

This School of Organ Playing presupposes a certain technical facility on the piano. The pedal exercises at the beginning are rudimentary and should be practiced in all keys, gradually accelerating the tempo. The studies are graded according to their polyphony, beginning with simple two part exercises, followed by those in three and more parts. This acquaintance with the strict principles of polyphonic music, and the introduction to effective part writing, with a knowledge of harmonic form and architectonic values, provide the essential background for the correct performance of polyphonic music, especialle the fugue. The most important musical forms have been used to illustrate the various possibilites of registration and its relationship to style (colourful, individualistic and smooth playing). The studies are so arranged that earlier technical points, etc. are constantly reviewed, through comparison of style and form, in order to fix, or refreshen, the ideas in the student's mind. It is very important that the evolution of organ music from vocal music should be made clear to the student the very beginning, both musically and intellectually. He will be shown the technical evolution of organ music during the centuries and thus prepared for an artistic execution and interpretation of old and new words, especially for the incomparable art of our great Johann Sebastian Bach.

Book 3-Oxford Bach Books For Organ is a 5-volume graded series of Organ music composed by J. S. Bach and arranged by Anne Marsden Thomas. This varied collection includes the essential pieces in all genres including choral preludes fugues toccatas and trio sonata movements alongside several of the composer’s lesser known works.Each volume contains a general introduction for players with advice on registration tempo ornamentation touch and articulation fingering pedalling and more. There are also concise notes on each piece by the renowned Bach scholar Professor Russell Stinson - addressing source issues structure and symbolism and forthe chorale preludes information on the original hymn melody and text on which the piece based.An authoritative introduction to this cornerstone of the Organ repertoire Oxford Bach Books For Organ presents pieces in a highly practical format that is perfect for teachers and students.This third volume contains 11 pieces for the manual or pedal Organ suitable for musicians at a Grade 7-8 level.

Book 2-Oxford Bach Books For Organ is a 5-volume graded series of Organ music composed by J. S. Bach and arranged by Anne Marsden Thomas. This varied collection includes the essential pieces in all genres including choral preludes fugues toccatas and trio sonata movements alongside several of the composer’s lesser known works.Each volume contains a general introduction for players with advice on registration tempo ornamentation touch and articulation fingering pedalling and more. There are also concise notes on each piece by the renowned Bach scholar Professor Russell Stinson - addressing source issues structure and symbolism and for the choralepreludes information on the original hymn melody and text on which the piece based.An authoritative introduction to this cornerstone of the Organ repertoire Oxford Bach Books For Organ presents pieces in a highly practical format that is perfect for teachers and students.This second volume contains 18 pieces for the manual or pedal Organ suitable for musicians at a Grade 6-7 level.