July 19, 2015

1. O Lamm Gottes unschuldig BWV656 (Versus 1 & 2)
2. An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV653
3. Prelude in F Minor BWV534
4. Prelude in G Minor BWV545
5. Prelude in D Minor BWV539
6. Prelude in A Minor BWV543
7. Prelude & Fugue in B Minor BWV544
8. Prelude in C Minor BWV546
9. An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV653
10. Liebster Jesu, Wir sind hier, BWV706

Total time: 4 hours

I spent the most time with Bach's lyrically effusive An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV653, playing all parts separately and together in all combinations, studying the counterpoint, which contains many canons. A thorough analysis of this beautiful piece is definitely in order. The 18 chorale preludes are particularly interesting for composers because Bach left us two versions — early forms from Weimar, and later forms (definitive) from Leipzig. In all cases the later versions are improvements on the earlier. An Wasserflüssen Babylon in its early form is more square rhythmically, slightly less lyrical in the parts accompanying the chorale solo voice, and a bit shorter, with an ending that, although signature for Bach, does not reach the spiritual bliss found in the final phrase of the Leipzig version.