Bach's Greatest Works

[Marc]

Glad you saw to this one, Don;  that was one I hated to leave out.

Beginning and end of the Third part of the Clavier-Übung: mentioned before!

Jan Selderij nog an toe!

[DavidW]

Sir,
I'd like to complain about this list.
I mentioned the entire Third part of the so-called Clavier-Übung!
I don't see it!
Where have you put it?
Shame on you!

Sincerely yours and mine and everyone's,
et cetera et cetera,

Mister Marc (mrs.).

Oh I thought you said the entire Clavier-Ubung, okay if it's just the third part it can go on the list.

[Marc]

Yeah, after the entire Leipzig chorales were chosen as one composition, I decided to go for it.
Of course, thanks to the BWV catalogue, we consider almost every piece of it as a separate composition.
But on the whole I really think that the entire Übung 3 is Bach's magnum opus for the organ. As Don & Karl were praising BWV 552 (and rightly so), I also consider every choral piece plus the wonderful Duetti as true masterpieces.

[DavidW]

Yeah, after the entire Leipzig chorales were chosen as one composition, I decided to go for it.
Of course, thanks to the BWV catalogue, we consider almost every piece of it as a separate composition.
But on the whole I really think that the entire Übung 3 is Bach's magnum opus for the organ. As Don & Karl were praising BWV 552 (and rightly so), I also consider every choral piece plus the wonderful Duetti as true masterpieces.

Ditto WTC on individual BWV #s, but having to confine oneself to say a three minute Prelude and Fugue seems a little ridiculous!

[Opus106]

Ditto WTC on individual BWV #s, but having to confine oneself to say a three minute Prelude and Fugue seems a little ridiculous!

Not at all. Give me the C-sharp minor pair from Book 1 any day. 0:)

[karlhenning]

Not at all. Give me the C-sharp minor pair from Book 1 any day. 0:)

Below the green lemon!

[DavidW]

This is what we have so far.

Cantatas

• Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 4
• Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62
• Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich, BWV 150
• BWV 54
• BWV 169
• BWV 170
• BWV 140
• BWV 106 (Actus tragicus)
• BWV 84 Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke
• BWV 125 Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
• the ever so gorgeous Trauerode, BWV 198 and don't you forget it!
• BWV 82, "Ich Habe Genug"
• BWV 211 (my bad Gurn)

Vocal

• Magnificat in D, BWV 243
• Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist, BWV 454
• O Jesulein süss, o Jesulein mild, BWV 493
• Mass in B minor
• Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied BWV 225
• Jesu, meine Freude BWV 227
• St Matthew Passion BWV 244
• St John Passion BWV 245
• Christmas Oratorio
• BWV 229: Mottete "Komm, Jesu Komm"

Organ

• Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her canonic variations, BWV 769
• E Major Toccata, BWV 566
• C Minor Passacaglia, BWV 582
• Trio Sonata in E minor BWV 528
• Fugue in G minor BWV 578
• Leipzig Organ Chorales BWV 651-68
• Orchelbuchlein
• BWV 542 Fantasia & Fugue in g minor "The Great Fugue"
• Prelude and Fugue in E flat major "St. Anne", BWV 552
• Pastorale in F major, BWV 590
• Prelude and Fugue in E minor "The Wedge", BWV 548
• Clavier-Übung Part III

Keyboard

• Goldberg Vars, BWV 988
• Italian Concerto, BWV 971
• E Minor English Suite, BWV 510
• English Suite in D minor BWV 811
• Partita in E minor BWV 830
• Inventions BWV 772-86
• Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue
• WTC
• BWV 827 Partita #3 in a minor
• French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 813
• Art of Fugue, BWV 1080
• Capriccio in B flat major, BWV 992

Solo/Chamber

• C Major cello solo suite, BWV 1009
• E Major violin solo partita, BWV 1006
• A Minor violin solo sonata, BWV 1003
• Violin Sonata in C major BWV 1005
• Cello Suite in C minor BWV 1011
• Musical Offering BWV 1079
• Cello suite #4 in E flat, BWV 1010
• BWV 1001 (Sonata in G minor for violin solo)
• Violin Partitia No. 2 (*cough* it's BWV 1004)
• BWV 1011 Cello Suite #5 in c
• Sonata in B Minor for Violin and Harpsichord

Orchestral

• Brandenburg № 3 in G Major, BWV 1048
• Brandenburg № 4 in G Major, BWV 1049
• Brandenburg № 5 in D Major, BWV 1050
• Art of the Fugue
• Double Concerto in D minor BWV 1043
• Brandenburg No. 2 BWV 1047
• Concerto for Keyboard & Strings BWV 1052
• violin concerto #1, BWV 1041
• Musical Offering
• Violin Concerto in E Major (*cough* it's BWV 1042)
• Concerto for Violin and Oboe (*cough* BWV 1060R)
• BWV 1067 Orchestral Suite #2 in b minor
• Concerto In F Minor, BWV 1056

[Chaszz]

I'm starting to get the feeling that he's a bleeding chunks composer to some and an all consuming passion for others.  Not as much middle ground as you would find for other composers.  Some want to list a handful of works they cherish, others would want to write the whole catalog down.  Maybe I should contribute now.

Technically, 'bleeding chunks' is applicable to Wagner because, with his concept of "through-music" which flows throughout the whole act, there is never an ending cadence except at the end of the act. Therefore individual pieces must literally be ripped from the fabric and do actually bleed, unless a conductor has written or commissioned a false cadence to be used when recording the piece. This cannot be applied to Bach, becuse it is inconceivable that someone would prefer to slice up one of his architecturally perfect movements into one or more sections. For example, have we ever heard only part of the 2nd movement of the third orchestral suite (commonly known as the Air on the G String) or only a portion of the first movement of the D Minor keyboard concerto No. 1? Inconceivable. Therefore, Bach's movements should not be referred to as bleeding chunks.  

[DavidW]

Thanks Chasz I hadn't really thought about what the "bleeding chunks" really mean, I just took it to be favorite snips, but put that way I see the appropriateness of applying that specifically to excerpts from Wagner.

Even Bach's huge all consuming works, can still be broken into complete self contained movements.

[DavidW]

Anyway I guess that's it so on Friday night or maybe on Saturday I'll clean that list up proper and set up phase 2.

[Marc]

For the record: just wanted you to know that the Clavier-Übung III is written for organ. It includes a.o. the Prelude & Fuge in E Flat major, BWV 552, AKA "St. Anne".

[DavidW]

For the record: just wanted you to know that the Clavier-Übung III is written for organ. It includes a.o. the Prelude & Fuge in E Flat major, BWV 552, AKA "St. Anne".

Oh I suck!  I'm sorry, I'll move it.

[Marc]

Relax. No sucking is needed.

If you're not familiar with this work and you're getting curious, then just start with BWV 552.
A magnificent prelude in the shape of a french overture, followed by a splendid fugue with a rather catchy theme (IMO).

But the real shivers come with the second 'grand' Kyrie ("Heiliger Geist" BWV 672) and the incomparable "Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir" BWV 687. This one always leaves me breathless.

Apart from that: in general, I think that this work (CU III) is one of Bach's most spiritual and meaningful compositions.

[DavidW]

Aha I will give it a try in a few days.

You've sold it well.

[karlhenning]

Breathless Bach

Time for Sarge to get working in PhotoShop 

[Opus106]

But the real shivers come with the second 'grand' Kyrie ("Heiliger Geist" BWV 672)

Did you mean 671? (I'm just making sure I get the numbers right when I buy the CD. )

[Marc]

Did you mean 671? (I'm just making sure I get the numbers right when I buy the CD. )

You're right. My mistake.
I meant BWV 671 and 686 (both of them belong to the 'grande' chorales).

[Opus106]

I meant BWV 671 and 686 (both of them belong to the 'grande' chorales).

Oh, thanks.

[DavidW]

Candidate for the final list.

Cantatas

• BWV 004, Christ lag in Todesbanden
• BWV 054, Widerstehe doch der Sünde
• BWV 062, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
• BWV 082, Ich Habe Genug
• BWV 084, Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke
• BWV 106, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit
• BWV 125, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
• BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
• BWV 150, Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich
• BWV 169, Gott soll allein mein Herze haben
• BWV 170, Vergnügte Ruh', beliebte Seelenlust
• BWV 198, Laß, Fürstin, laß einen Strahl
• BWV 211, Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht

Vocal

• BWV 225, Motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied
• BWV 227, Motet Jesu, meine Freude
• BWV 229, Motet Komm, Jesu Komm
• BWV 232, Mass in B minor
• BWV 243, Magnificat in D major
• BWV 244, St. Matthew Passion
• BWV 245, St. John Passion
• BWV 248, Christmas Oratorio
• BWV 454, Sacred Song Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist
• BWV 493, Sacred Song O Jesulein süss, o Jesulein mild

Organ

• BWV 528, Trio Sonata in E minor
• BWV 542, Fantasia & Fugue in G minor The Great Fugue
• BWV 548, Prelude and Fugue in E minor The Wedge
• BWV 552, Prelude and Fugue in E flat major St. Anne
• BWV 566, Toccata and Fugue in E/C major
• BWV 578, Fugue in G minor The Little Fugue
• BWV 582, Passacaglia in C minor
• BWV 590, Pastorale in F major
• BWV 599, Orgelbüchlein Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
• BWV 600, Orgelbüchlein Gott, durch deine Güte/Gottes Sohn ist kommen
• BWV 601, Orgelbüchlein Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottessohn/Herr Gott nun sei gepreiset
• BWV 602, Orgelbüchlein Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott
• BWV 603, Orgelbüchlein Puer natus in Bethlehem
• BWV 604, Orgelbüchlein Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
• BWV 605, Orgelbüchlein Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich
• BWV 606, Orgelbüchlein Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her
• BWV 607, Orgelbüchlein Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schaar
• BWV 608, Orgelbüchlein In dulci jubilo
• BWV 609, Orgelbüchlein Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich
• BWV 610, Orgelbüchlein Jesu, meine Freude
• BWV 611, Orgelbüchlein Christum wir sollen loben schon
• BWV 612, Orgelbüchlein Wir Christenleut
• BWV 613, Orgelbüchlein Helft mir Gottes Güte preisen
• BWV 614, Orgelbüchlein Das alte Jahr vergangen ist
• BWV 615, Orgelbüchlein In dir ist Freude
• BWV 616, Orgelbüchlein Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
• BWV 617, Orgelbüchlein Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf
• BWV 618, Orgelbüchlein O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
• BWV 619, Orgelbüchlein Christe, du Lamm Gottes
• BWV 620, Orgelbüchlein Christus, der uns selig macht
• BWV 621, Orgelbüchlein Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund
• BWV 622, Orgelbüchlein O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß
• BWV 623, Orgelbüchlein Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ, daß du für uns gestorben bist
• BWV 624, Orgelbüchlein Hilf, Gott, daß mir's gelinge
• BWV 625, Orgelbüchlein Christ lag in Todesbanden
• BWV 626, Orgelbüchlein Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand
• BWV 627, Orgelbüchlein Christ ist erstanden
• BWV 628, Orgelbüchlein Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ
• BWV 629, Orgelbüchlein Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag
• BWV 630, Orgelbüchlein Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn
• BWV 631, Orgelbüchlein Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist
• BWV 632, Orgelbüchlein Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend
• BWV 633-634, Orgelbüchlein Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier
• BWV 635, Orgelbüchlein Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot
• BWV 636, Orgelbüchlein Vater unser im Himmelreich
• BWV 637, Orgelbüchlein Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt
• BWV 638, Orgelbüchlein Es ist das Heil uns kommen her
• BWV 639, Orgelbüchlein Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
• BWV 640, Orgelbüchlein In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr
• BWV 641, Orgelbüchlein Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
• BWV 642, Orgelbüchlein Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten
• BWV 643, Orgelbüchlein Alle Menschen müssen sterben
• BWV 644, Orgelbüchlein Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig
• BWV 651-652 Leipzig Organ Chorale Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott
• BWV 653, Leipzig Organ Chorale An Wasserflüssen Babylon
• BWV 654, Leipzig Organ Chorale Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele
• BWV 655, Leipzig Organ Chorale Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend
• BWV 656, Leipzig Organ Chorale O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
• BWV 657, Leipzig Organ Chorale Nun danket alle Gott
• BWV 658, Leipzig Organ Chorale Von Gott will ich nicht lassen
• BWV 659-661, Leipzig Organ Chorale Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
• BWV 662-664, Leipzig Organ Chorale Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr'
• BWV 665-666, Leipzig Organ Chorale Jesus Christus, unser Heiland
• BWV 667, Leipzig Organ Chorale Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist
• BWV 668, Leipzig Organ Chorale Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist
• BWV 669, Chorales Clavierübung III Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit
• BWV 670, Chorales Clavierübung III Christe, aller Welt Trost
• BWV 671, Chorales Clavierübung III Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist
• BWV 672, Chorales Clavierübung III Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit
• BWV 673, Chorales Clavierübung III Christe, aller Welt Trost
• BWV 674, Chorales Clavierübung III Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist
• BWV 675-677, Chorales Clavierübung III Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr'
• BWV 678-679, Chorales Clavierübung III Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot
• BWV 680-681, Chorales Clavierübung III Wir glauben all' an einen Gott
• BWV 682-683, Chorales Clavierübung III Vater unser im Himmelreich
• BWV 684-685, Chorales Clavierübung III Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam
• BWV 686-687, Chorales Clavierübung III Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir
• BWV 688, Chorales Clavierübung III Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Zorn Gottes wandt
• BWV 689, Chorales Clavierübung III Jesus Christus, unser Heiland
• BWV 769, Canonic Variations Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her

Keyboard

• BWV 772, Invention No. 1 in C major
• BWV 773, Invention No. 2 in C minor
• BWV 774, Invention No. 3 in D major
• BWV 775, Invention No. 4 in D minor
• BWV 776, Invention No. 5 in E flat major
• BWV 777, Invention No. 6 in E major
• BWV 778, Invention No. 7 in E minor
• BWV 779, Invention No. 8 in F major
• BWV 780, Invention No. 9 in F minor
• BWV 781, Invention No. 10 in G major
• BWV 782, Invention No. 11 in G minor
• BWV 783, Invention No. 12 in A major
• BWV 784, Invention No. 13 in A minor
• BWV 785, Invention No. 14 in B flat major
• BWV 786, Invention No. 15 in B minor
• BWV 810, English Suite No. 5 in E minor
• BWV 811, English Suite No. 6 in D minor
• BWV 813, French Suite No. 2 in C minor
• BWV 827, Partitas Clavierübung I, Partita No. 3 in A minor
• BWV 830, Partitas Clavierübung I, Partita No. 6 in E minor
• BWV 831, French Overture
• BWV 846, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C major
• BWV 847, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C minor
• BWV 848, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C sharp major
• BWV 849, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 4 in C sharp minor
• BWV 850, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major
• BWV 851, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 6 in D minor
• BWV 852, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 7 in E flat major
• BWV 853, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 8 in E flat minor
• BWV 854, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 9 in E major
• BWV 855, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor
• BWV 856, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 11 in F major
• BWV 857, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 12 in F minor
• BWV 858, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 13 in F sharp major
• BWV 859, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 14 in F sharp minor
• BWV 860, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G major
• BWV 861, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G minor
• BWV 862, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A flat major
• BWV 863, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 18 in G sharp minor
• BWV 864, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 19 in A major
• BWV 865, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 20 in A minor
• BWV 866, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B flat major
• BWV 867, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 22 in B flat minor
• BWV 868, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 23 in B major
• BWV 869, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil I Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B minor
• BWV 870, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C major
• BWV 871, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C minor
• BWV 872, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C sharp major
• BWV 873, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 4 in C sharp minor
• BWV 874, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major
• BWV 875, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 6 in D minor
• BWV 876, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 7 in E flat major
• BWV 877, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 8 in E flat minor
• BWV 878, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 9 in E major
• BWV 879, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor
• BWV 880, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 11 in F major
• BWV 881, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 12 in F minor
• BWV 882, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 13 in F sharp major
• BWV 883, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 14 in F sharp minor
• BWV 884, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G major
• BWV 885, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G minor
• BWV 886, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A flat major
• BWV 887, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 18 in G sharp minor
• BWV 888, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 19 in A major
• BWV 889, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 20 in A minor
• BWV 890, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B flat major
• BWV 891, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 22 in B flat minor
• BWV 892, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 23 in B major
• BWV 893, Das Wohltemeprierte Clavier, Teil II Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B minor
• BWV 903, Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue
• BWV 971, Italian Concerto
• BWV 988, Goldberg Variations
• BWV 992, Capriccio in B flat major
• BWV 1080, Die Kunst der Fuge

Solo/Chamber

• BWV 1001, Sonata for Solo Violin No. 1 in G minor
• BWV 1003, Sonata for Solo Violin No. 2 in A minor
• BWV 1004, Partita for Solo Violin No. 2 in D minor
• BWV 1005, Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 in C major
• BWV 1006, Partita for Solo Violin No. 3 in E major
• BWV 1009, Suite for Solo Cello No. 3 in C major
• BWV 1010, Suite for Solo Cello No. 4 in E flat
• BWV 1011, Suite for Solo Cello No. 5 in C minor
• BWV 1014, Sonata for Violin and Keyboard No. 1 in B minor
• BWV 1079, Das Musikalisches Opfer

Orchestral

• BWV 1041, Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in A minor
• BWV 1042, Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo No. 2 in E major
• BWV 1043, Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D minor, Double Concerto
• BWV 1047, Brandenburg No. 2 in F major
• BWV 1048, Brandenburg No. 3 in G Major
• BWV 1049, Brandenburg No. 4 in G Major
• BWV 1050, Brandenburg No. 5 in D Major
• BWV 1052, Concerto for Keyboard, Strings and Continuo in D minor
• BWV 1056, Concerto for Keyboard, Strings and Continuo in F Minor
• BWV 1067, Orchestral Suite #2 in B minor

[Marc]

Hey David! This list is beginning to look like .... some other one.

Let me help you!

Bachs greatest works?

BWV 1 - 1126 all included, I would say.