Product Description

The ever-increasing number of performances of Bach's music is a sign of its enduring vitality. But perhaps no other composer is subject to such a wide diversity of interpretation. In this important book, Paul Badura-Skoda draws on forty years of studying and performing Bach to present startling new insights into many different aspects of Bach's music. Sometimes contentious, always stimulating, Badura-Skoda's book conveys a passion for an informed interpretation of Bach's music based on a recognition and respect for Bach's actual intentions. Copiously illustrated with musical examples, the book will take its place as a standard work for all students and performers of Bach's ever-popular keyboard music.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1027912 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

Review

"The most comprehensive and authoritative treatment of its topic ever attempted....His intimate familiarity with Bach's keyboard music is evident throughout....This is an important study that deserves an international audience."--Russell Stinson, SUNY at Stony Brook
"For all musicians, not just keyboardists."--Choice
"This exceedingly comprehensive work is particularly significant not only as a revelation of the musical perceptions of one of the foremost keyboard artists of our time, but also for the sound musicological evidence it presents for the illumination of a wide range of performance problems inherent in Bach's keyboard works. The author's demonstrated ability to convey the composer's intentions to present-day performers in the interests of musical perfection undoubtedly will enrich the experience and understanding of Bach's music for audiences for many years to come."--The Diapason

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

About the Author

Professor Paul Badura-Skoda is a pianist and scholar.

Customer Reviews

For the Pianist
Here is performance information for the pianist without apologies. There are numerous excellent books for organists and harpsichordists from which I have been forced to extrapolate to the piano. Badura-Skoda exhaustively covers all facets of Bach performance on the piano: rhythm, articulation, tempo, and that endless bug-a-boo, ORNAMENTS! He is fearless in expressing his insight and opinion on ornaments and their execution. Musical examples are plentiful, avoiding the need to fetch scores. Of particular interest is his section on the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, a short chapter on 18th c. organ-barrels(!), and a Gouldian Imaginary Interview on the "Urtext Problem". "Interpreting Bach" is an informative reference book reminiscent of Rosenblum's "Performance Practices" in scope and ease of use. Well worth the investment for the pianist knocking on Bach's door seeking entry. Badura-Skoda can help open it for you.

Interpreting Bach at the Keyboard
Thank you to Paul Badura-Skoda for this very excellent and helpful book.