Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is God's gift. - Eleanor Roosevelt
2007, September 24
New Edition and a Revisit to May 18
Just received, the Complete Cantatas of J. S. Bach from Bärenreiter, the study score in 19 volumes.
The very beautiful, very perfect NBA edition from Bärenreiter of all the cantatas in a 19 volume study format has arrived at my doorstep and I have been buried all weekend happily exploring. Just holding the books makes my heart stand still. Previously, any reference to the NBA edition entailed a trip to the UC Berkeley music library to use their large format library edition, which probably costs in the neighborhood of $20,000 to $30,000.
Now we have an affordable, accessible complete edition in the comfort and convenience of home. I will use this edition for the proofreading of the files at JSBChorales.net. New measure numbers will reflect pick-up measures and I will change the clef for the tenor part to the octave down G clef as used in this new edition.
Since I work full time, this complete update, a major project, will take considerable time. Revised files will be listed on the the update page as they are completed.
Again, 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.
And, also again, 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.
2007, August 22
California wild rose
Last blooms of Rosa californica, August 2007.
The end of summer, and the last small cluster of wild roses. Each flower is about an inch and a half across, and has a very faint, light fragrance.

2007, August 15
Ingmar Bergman 1918 - 2007
Ingmar Bergman died July 30, 2007.
Yesterday I learned of Bergman's death.
This morning I awoke from a dream of a funeral, a funeral where there were no people. There was a great crypt, with a stone rolled away from the mouth, and inside many aisles, and a special aisle for the Brotherhood.
He is a part of that Brotherhood of artists who have touched me, somehow changed what I value, how I see myself, the world outside and how I live. Each of us will have a group of our own, the artists who have spoken to us in a special way.
His film 'Seventh Seal' made a very great impression on me when I was young. The image of Death leading the dancers, the jester and his visions, had a strong emotional impact, seemed to speak to me personally and gave me a message about life and death.
Images from around the web
2007, August 07
Spielen in die Orgel
Masterworks of the Baroque Era for Violin and Organ, a new recording from Annegret Siedel and Pieter van Dijk.
Spielen in die Orgel
Annegret Siedel, Baroque violin, viola
Pieter van Dijk, organ
Released in June 2007
Van Hagerbeer/Schnitger and Van Covelens Organ
Organ of the Grote Sint Laurenskerk, Alkmaar, Netherlands
Cantate Musicaphon C 58029
Because I bought the CDs of Annegret Siedel recently, I was notified of this new release. I was happy to find the site with the audio samples; they are little previews of a performance which is musically and emotionally satisfying. I have already felt enriched by hearing just the short samples.
One thing I would do if I ever won the lottery, would be to travel to Europe just for one of Ms. Siedel's recitals.
I am especially happy that she included the Bach Sonata for violin and continuo BWV 1019 because I have worked on it on my violin and never tire of playing it and hearing it. It is one of my favorite pieces ever.
I am truly looking forward to receiving this CD and hearing it over and over again.
(Eur 14.71) Recording from Cantate MusicaPhon
(Eur 18.99) Link to recording with audio samples (Notice on this page translated from German, Bach's name appears as Brook, which is the English meaning of Bach. For some reason, this little glitch made me very happy.)
| Johann Sebastian Bach |
Toccata and Fuga in d BWV 565 Sonata G Major BWV 1019a Presto and Cantabile |
| Johann Adam Reincken | Was kann uns kommen an für Not |
| William Brade | Choral |
| Heinrich Scheidemann |
Praeambulum in F Toccata in G Paduana Lachrymae |
| Johann Schop | Lacrime Pavan |
| Dietrich Buxtehude | Praeludium in g BuxWV 148 |







