Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Herrick :: Bach: Partitas & Canonic Variations

The works here come from the very beginning and the very end of Bach's life. A chorale partita begins with a setting of one of the many Lutheran hymn tunes. The composer then uses this setting as the basis for a series of variations, sometimes actually following the emotions suggested by verses of the hymn, but more often of a more abstract nature. Bach seems to have lost interest in this form after writing a few very successful works early in his career. Then, just before he died, he composed a genuine set of variations for organ on the choral tune "Vom Himmel Hoch," each one of which is a canon (or "round"), breathing fresh life into this old form. Christopher Herrick's performances are outstanding, and so is the recording. --David Hurwitz