rssBach is not idiomatic keyboard music, but an imitation of voices, instruments, or ensembles. - Ralph Kirkpatrick
2007, July 16
Amazon.com and animal cruelty
I have learned that Amazon.com engages in the sale of literature for illegal animal fighting.
Admittedly a token gesture, I have removed all my links to Amazon.com. I have also stopped using them as a hub for online shopping. They will not miss my business, but I will be rid of a bad taste in my mouth.
Please see the links below for more information.
The Elephant Sanctuary ends association with Amazon.com
Humane Society of the United States vs Amazon.com
2007, June 23
Annegret Siedel and Johann Schop
Johann Schop and his Contemporaries, North German violin music in the generations before Bach.
Johann Schop and his Contemporaries
The Hanseatic violin school of the 17th century
Annegret Siedel, Baroque violin
Barbara Maria Willi, Harpsichord, organ
Hubert Hoffmann, Theorbo
Recorded Sept 1998, Johanniskirche, Piding, Germany
Cantate Musicaphon M 56830
This recording of early Baroque violin music is a gem. It is produced by Cantate Musicaphon records, and I have not found any other recordings of these pieces. Neither have I been able to find scores of any of this music.
I love this recording, and my daughter loves this recording. I wish it could make it onto a best seller list. The music has substance, and the performance has vitality and emotion. This is a performance that will make you want to practice your instrument, and perhaps try out a little composing. The music will sound in your head long after you have stopped listening. You will want to give a copy to everyone you know.
Please be good to yourself and get this recording.
This recording is more proof that the violin sonatas and partitas of Bach did not spring from a vacuum, but from a generations-old tradition of violin music in Germany.
Information about Annegret Siedel
Information about Annegret Siedel
Annegret Siedel's website for the Bell'Arte Salzburg
| Johann Schop ~1590-1630 |
Sine titulo Nobelman Almande Almande Mortiel Lachrymae Pavaen Courant Nasce la Pena Ballett Koraelen Als Jupiter Pavaen de Spanje |
| Thomas Baltzar ~1630-1663 |
Prelude Allemande |
| William Brade 1560-1630 |
Choral |
| Heinrich Scheidemann ~1596-1663 |
Praeambulum |
| Nicolaus Bleyer 1591-1685 |
English Mars |
| Samuel Peter Sidon ?-1701 |
Sonata Allemande Courante Sarabande Gigue |
2007, May 18
Chorale Files, Accuracy and Responsibility
Anyone using the Bach midi files should check the accuracy of the parts with a reliable edition of the chorales.
Because many errors have been found in the chorale files at JSBChorales.net, I am embarking on a proofreading mission through all the files. At the same time I will change measure numbers so that pick-up measures are not included in the numbering, as is the standard.
Since I work full time, this complete update will take considerable time. Revised files will be listed on the the update page as they are completed.
Be aware that copies of files on another person's server may not be correct. I can not be responsible for updating files on another person's server, even if my name is attached to them. My name associated with copies on another person's website does not mean that they have been been kept current.
In general people who wish to link to the files have been helpful and cooperative and have linked to my pages so that incorrect files are not proliferated.
Also, be aware that when the midi files are imported into a notation program, accidentals may be enharmonically incorrect. For instance a G sharp may be notated as an A flat.
If possible, please always check files against a reliable edition.
Chorale Editions
An overview and comparison of the editions of the chorales.
I have used the following editions in the preparation of the midi files of the chorales appearing on JSBChorales.net. Initially I used the Riemenschneider edition; it has some misprints and misleading voice notations, and coupled with input errors on my part there have been many errors uncovered in the chorales through the years. I have done ongoing corrections when I or a reader has found errors. As you can see on the Update page, many people have contributed to the correction process.
| J.S. Bach Four Part Chorales
by Johann Sebastian Bach, Imre Sulyok (Editor), Editio Musica Budapest 1982 Note: Reliable |
| Bach Chorales from the C.P.E.Bach Collection
by Johann Sebastian Bach, Frieder Rempp (Editor), Barenreiter 2002; Catalog number 5237 Note: New Bach Work Edition. Generally reliable. See note below. |
| Bach 389 Chorales
by Johann Sebastian Bach, Kalmus Edition, Belwin Mills Publishing Corp. Kalmus Catalog K06002. Note: Old Bach Work Edition, I have found no errors. |
| Bach 371 Harmonized Chorales
ed Riemenschneider, G. Schirmer 1941 Note: Old Bach Work Edition, many errors. |
| J.S. Bach Complete Church Cantatas
by Johann Sebastian Bach, CD Sheet Music, LLC, distributed by Theodore Presser. Note: Old Bach Work Edition, vocal scores with piano reduction. |
| J.S. Bach Keyboard Music and 371 Chorales
by Johann Sebastian Bach, CD Sheet Music, LLC, distributed by Theodore Presser. Note: This is a digitized Riemenschneider. |
An example of an inconsistency in the editions is the chorale, BWV 14.5, Barenreiter #182 (Kalmus #330), is unlike the chorale in the source cantata BWV 14.5; it has a repeat sign and if written out, at the point where the second repeat ends and the remainder of the chorale starts, successive 5ths are created between the bass and the alto. This does not exist in the cantata version because there is not a repeat, and Bach changed the bass and alto notes in the chord at the beginning of the next phrase. The Kalmus edition is correct. See the illustration.
From the cantata
From the Riemenschneider edition
For singers, the Kalmus edition is convenient, has the German words to the chorales, is accurate and a nice size. For keyboard players, the Musica Budapest edition is reliable, a good size and easy to read.
