Oxford Bach Books for Organ: Manuals Only, Book 1: Grades 2-5

Modern editions, with their grouping by genre, or by MS and printed collection, present a bewildering variety of choice to both teacher and player, and offer little guidance on how best to structure study of this central repertoire. The Oxford Back Books for Organ are therefore entirely welcome, and in its selection of repertoire the series represents the insight borne of the editorâs enormous teaching experience . . . The editorâs performance notes are a model of good sense and pragmatic scholarship, performing miracles of compression in covering aspects of touch, registration and ornamentation in very limited space . . . This is an impressive collection in both concept and realisation, and even those who think they know their way around the BWV catalogue will find much in it to stimulate and reward, whether as teachers or performers. (Stephen Farr, Choir & Organ Jan 15)

These are excellent books, compiled and edited by Anne Marsden Thomas, a highly experienced teacher with an impressive awareness of stylistic issues. Her introduction gives some very sensible advice on such things as touch, articulation, and registration . . . His [Professor Russell Stinson] notes on chorale-based works supply not only the chorale melody but also texts and translations. Professor Stinson is a performer-scholar with an unparalleled knowledge and understanding of Bachâs music, and can write in a way that ordinary mortals can understand. Particularly refreshing is the inclusion of many pieces that have been traditionally considered as harpsichord (or clavichord) repertoire . . . [which] opens up many possibilities for interesting repertoire, and helps to dispel the traditional instrumental associations of the organ with sacred music, and harpsichord with secular music . . . these books are to be highly recommended. (Douglas Mews, NZ Organ News, November 14)

This five-volume graded series of organ music by J. S. Bach (2 volumes for manuals only; 3 volumes for manuals and pedals) provides a wonderful selection of pieces for all players. The whole is an authoritative and fully practical introduction to this cornerstone of the organ repertoire, with pieces presented in highly practical form for teachers and students.