J. S. Bach's 'Leipzig' Chorale Preludes

Originally composed in Weimar and later revised in Leipzig, J. S. Bach's chorale preludes have been a source of some puzzlement. However, Bach scholar Anne Leahy argues that through the careful examination of the links among the music, hymn texts, and theological sources some answers may be had. In her book, Leahy considers the critical relationship between the texts of the hymns and their relationship to the chorales, outlining a theological pattern vital to fully grasping the guiding philosophy of these compositions. J. S. Bach's "Leipzig"" Chorale Preludes: Music, Text, Theology is ideally suited for Bach scholars and those with a general interest in the intricate relationship between text and music in the composition of religious music.

Anne Leahy (1961-2007) was a leading light in Bach studies and lecturer at the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama. She was the first Gerhard Herz Visiting Professor of Bach Studies at Louisville University in the Fall of 2003.