3 Review(s)

A translation (with revisions by the author) of Karl Hochreither's 183-page book, Zur Auffuehrungspraxis der Vokal-Instrumental Werke Johann Sebastian Bachs (Merseburger, 1983), this book summarizes the insights gained in a lifetime of researching and performing Bach's cantatas and oratorios. By relating the historical evidence to present-day actuality he helps practicing musicians make the necessary decisions. He also provides a path into the literature (particularly that of the eighteenth century) to enable interested readers to broaden their knowledge of the subject. Because the book successfully combines a thorough working knowledge of Bach works with scholarly research, it is an important source for Bach scholars and conductors alike. While remaining readable and practical, it offers great insight into the cultural milieu of the music. It pursues style authenticity without falling into the trap of rigid historicism. The book's value as a reference and research tool is enhanced by approximately fifty figures, some one hundred and fifty references to individual works by Bach, copious documentation (nearly six hundred endnotes), and two indexes.