Bach's Organ Music

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses four works that Bach composed to be played on the organ (which he himself played). It discusses the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565; the Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 "Great G minor"; the Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582; and the Concerto for Organ solo in A minor, BWV 593 (after Vivaldi). The paper looks at each work and then describes how these works influenced many later composers in the process.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Fantasia and Fugue in G minor
Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor
Concerto for Organ solo in A minor
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Bach wrote a variety of organ music, much of it requiring considerable skill on the part of the organist, presumably so he could demonstrate his own skill with the organ. This is reminiscent of similar ways of demonstrating skill on the violin for Paganini, or on the piano by Liszt. Bach extended the reach of the organ in these works and influenced many later composers in the process. Many of his organ works were from an early period in his career, in keeping with his role as church composer and organist in various venues."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boyd, Malcolm. J.S. Bach. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Butt, John. "The Universal Musician." Guardian Unlimited (December 12, 2005), http://arts.guardian.co.uk/bach/story/0,,1665209,00.html.
• Grout, Donald Jay and Calude V. Palisca. A History of Western Music. New York: W.W. Norton, 2001.
• Gurlitt, Wilibald. Johann Sebastian Bach: The Maser and His Work. St. Louis, Missouri: Concordia, 1957.
• "Johann Sebastian Bach 1685-1750." Island of Freedom (1996), Grolier Interactive, http://www.island-of-freedom.com/BACH.HTM.

More papers on Bach's Organ Music:

• Term Paper # 129953 : "Bach's Organ Music"
• Essay # 23521 : "Bach, Beethoven and Chopin"
• Descriptive Essay # 128163 : "Bach - The Passion Lives On"

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