J.S. Bach's Major Works for Voices and Instruments: A Listener's Guide - Softcover

This guide helps listeners to better understand the dramatic thrust of Bach's four major works for voices and instruments: The Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, and Mass in B Minor. Unger (Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory) takes the listener through each work, movement by movement, paying particular attention to the interaction of text and music. The volume is based upon extensive program notes prepared for the Conservatory's Bach Festival, held annually since 1933. * Reference and Research Book News * I would certainly include this book in a recommended reading list. -- Peter Williams * Musical Times *

This book explores the dramatic thrust of each of Bach's four major works for choir and orchestra: Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, and Mass in B Minor. It guides the reader, movement by movement, through each work with an integrated presentation of commentary and text translation that pays particular attention to the interaction of text and music, suggesting reasons for Bach's musical choices.