The now-published volumes 9 and 10 have presented a special challenge, for particularly in the field of the chorale arrangements the transmissions are more complex than in any other group of works. This ties in with the crucial question of Bach’s authorship, which has been the subject of much controversy in the past. There were heated discussions about it even just prior to our edition, and editors and publisher are aware that the present selection is a thoroughly debatable snapshot. More on this in the volumes’ text sections.

The situation of the chorale partitas is not quite so dramatic, whereby these holdings also had to be subdivided for reasons of transmission into main section, appendix, and online presentation.

The so called „Neumeister-Choräle“ are incorporated in the group of the separately transmitted chorale settings in alphabetical order, because the compilation of the pieces does not follow any collection idea of Bach (such as, for example, his larger late collections). The indication „Neumeister-Sammlung“ should facilitate the attribution.

Those works requiring further research, besides of some versions, are presented online, since their profile reveals less evidence of the true author.

Famous, renowned organists and professors and what they say about our organ editions: ambassadors at Breitkopf & Härtel.

“Breitkopf has given the world a splendid edition of the organ works of Bach. These final two volumes offer a wealth of chorale-based music benefiting from the very latest research. Aside from the edition’s obvious scholarly merit, a practicing church organist will love the convenience and variety of these volumes. Recommended without hesitation.”
(Jonathan B. Hall, The American Organist)