The Cantatas of J. S. Bach: With their librettos in German-English parallel text - 9780199297764 - Softcover

An indispensable reference work is finally available in a handsome English translation, and for that we should be thankful. (Matthew Dirst, Music and Letters)

For students studying Bach's cantatas, this book is the best reading material currently available. This is a book that every university library must have on its shelf. (Bach Bibliography Book Review)

This is the only English translation of this important book by the world's most distinguished Bach scholar. This work is widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive treatment of the Bach cantatas. It begins with a historical survey of the seventeenth-century background to the cantatas, and performance practice issues. The core of the book is a work-by-work study in which each cantata in turn is represented by its libretto, a synopsis of its movements, and a detailed analytical commentary. This format makes it extremely useful as a reference work for anyone listening to, performing in, or studying any of the Bach cantatas.

All the cantata librettos are given in German-English parallel text. For the English edition the text has been carefully revised to bring it up to date, taking account of recent Bach scholarship.