First Steps: Music of an Eager Youth

Much like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Bach represents a summit of human achievement. Throughout his life the organ was the instrument that proved an indispensable musical companion. From his earliest years to his deathbed, there was hardly a time in Bach's life when he was not obliged to play the organ and compose for it. Because of this, the organ works form a centerpiece of his creative evolution and existence. Bach's organ works continue to surprise and astonish three hundred years later. They are the organist's supreme challenge. They are the listener's supreme delight. They are the perfect marriage of humble purpose and high genius. In this series, each performance highlights musical and personal themes throughout Bach's life. This thematic arrangement takes listeners on an intimate journey through these pieces.

Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 533

Herr Gott, dich loben wir, BWV 725 (Lord God, we praise you)

Gottes sohn ist kommen, BWV 703 (The Son of God has come)
Gott durch deine Güte, BWV 724 (God, through your goodness)
Gott durch deine Güte, BWV 600

Herr Christ, der ein’ge Gottes-Sohn, BWV 698 (Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God)
Herr Christ, der ein’ge Gottes-Sohn, BWV 601

Nun komm der heiden heiland, BWV 699 (Savior of the nations come)
Nun komm der heiden heiland, BWV 599

Prelude in G major, BWV 568
Fugue in G major, BWV 577 (“The Jig”)

Diverse Chorale Partita: Christ du bist der helle Tag, BWV 766 (Christ, who art clear day)

Fantasie in C major, BWV 570
Little Harmonic Labyrinth, BWV 591

Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend’, BWV 632 (Lord Jesus Christ, turn thou to us)
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend’, BWV 726
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend’, BWV 709

Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 609 (Praise God together, Christians all)
Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 732

Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott, BWV 704 (Praise be to almighty God)
Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott, BWV 602

Fantasia con imitazione in B minor, BWV 563

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Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 531