Fantasy and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H
Encyclopedia
Fantasie und Fuge über das Thema B-A-C-H (also in the first version known as Präludium und Fuge über das Motiv B-A-C-H, title in English: Fantasy and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H) (S.260i/ii [1st/2nd version], S.529i/ii [piano arr. of 1st/2nd version]) is an organ fantasy on the BACH motif
composed by Franz Liszt
in 1855, later revised in 1870.
Both versions were transcribed for solo piano by the composer. The fantasy was dedicated to Alexander Winterberger
(who also played it on the premiere, 13 May 1856) and published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1856. It is, along with the Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale Ad nos, ad salutarem undam
, one of Liszt's most famous organ works. It was composed for the consecration of the Ladegast
organ in the Merseburg Cathedral
. The fugue is actually embedded as a section in the fantasy, and not a piece on its own. The seemingly improvisational character of this composition is based on a strict formal foundation that gives a sublime effect. The fantasy is a recurring piece in the organ repertory and is frequently performed.
BACH motif
In music, the BACH motif is the motif, a succession of notes important or characteristic to a piece, B flat, A, C, B natural. In German musical nomenclature, in which the note B natural is written as H and the B flat as B, it forms Johann Sebastian Bach's family name...
composed by Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt ; ), was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age...
in 1855, later revised in 1870.
Both versions were transcribed for solo piano by the composer. The fantasy was dedicated to Alexander Winterberger
Alexander Winterberger
thumb|Alexander Winterberger, by [[Sergey Lvovich Levitsky]]Alexander Winterberger was a German organist and composer...
(who also played it on the premiere, 13 May 1856) and published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1856. It is, along with the Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale Ad nos, ad salutarem undam
Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale Ad nos ad salutarem undam
The Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam", S.259, is a piece of organ music composed by Franz Liszt in the winter of 1850 when he was in Weimar...
, one of Liszt's most famous organ works. It was composed for the consecration of the Ladegast
Friedrich Ladegast
Friedrich Ladegast was a famous German organ builder.Ladegast was born in Hochhermsdorf , Saxony, to a carpenter and cabinet-maker. He worked first for his brother Christlieb, an organ builder at Geringswalde, and built his first two organs at the age of twenty...
organ in the Merseburg Cathedral
Merseburg Cathedral
Merseburg Cathedral is a cathedral in Merseburg, Germany. Construction on the Gothic cathedral was begun by Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg in 1015. It was consecrated in 1021 in the presence of Henry II. The cathedral was renovated in the Renaissance style from 1510-17. It is considered an artistic...
. The fugue is actually embedded as a section in the fantasy, and not a piece on its own. The seemingly improvisational character of this composition is based on a strict formal foundation that gives a sublime effect. The fantasy is a recurring piece in the organ repertory and is frequently performed.