Founded in 1850 to collect, edit, and publish all the known works of J.
S. Bach, the renowned Bach-Gesellschaft devoted fifty years to its
monumental task and produced the most accurate editions of Bach's music.
At a much lower cost than the fantastically expensive original
publication, this volume reproduces in full vocal and instrumental score
eleven cantatas from the reliable Bach-Gesellschaft volumes.
Chosen on the basis of frequency of performance, teaching value, and
sheer greatness of music, these eleven cantatas are: Christ lag in
Todesbanden, No. 4; Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, No. 12; Ich hatte
viel Bekümmerniss, No. 21; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, No. 51; Ich
will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, No. 56; Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,
No. 61; Jesu, der du meine Seele, No, 78; Ein' feste Burg ist unser
Gott, No. 80; Ich habe genug, No. 82; Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste
Zeit, No. 106; and Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, No. 140.
A new supplement presents the eleven German texts in libretto form
(Verse, without repeats) and a facing literal line-by-line translation
by Stanley Appelbaum. The musical notation is large and clear, making it
easy to follow in any study situation.