371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass

On the downside, the notes are small (this edition really packs 'em in) and it can be easy to get lost on the page. No texts are provided, either, aside from the opening words, so you have to accept on faith that some of the more contorted harmonizations are justified by the text. It's still nice to have, though, and looks nice and musicological sitting on the piano.


You need this...   September 14, 2004
Joel Runyan (Alexandria, KY USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Bach's 371 chorales are some of the purest distillations of common-practice era tonal harmony one can find - they remain an invaluable asset to anyone studying harmony and voice-leading principles. That is not to say that these pieces are boring harmonic exercises... Bach's genius worked its way into everything he wrote, and a quick read through any of these chorales brings one a breath of fresh [tonal] air in the midst of modern music's din. Perfect for study and enjoyment. The edition is perfect as well, with clear printing (while maybe too small for those with poor eyesight), excellent binding and almost 60 pages of notes and preface.


A must-have for music students   January 10, 2007
J. Gill (Seattle, WA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is nearly indispensable for the serious music student. Used in most first-year theory courses, the Bach Chorales illustrate what the master did and why our Western music theory is based on the chorales he wrote.

First bought 18 years ago, I found that I'd somehow lost my copy along the way. I bought another copy since I'm taking further music theory courses and though it isn't required in this particular course, it helps immensely to have a copy on hand.


the one and only - for decades!   August 23, 2007
Jeremy Harris
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

For a basic course in music theory, this is the compilation which will teach you everything you need to know about tonality, cadences, voice leading, nonharmonic tones, and harmony.


The Cornerstone of Harmony   January 17, 2007
M. Chilla (Athens, GA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

For any piano player, music theorist, composer, or music enthusiast, this is the book for you. Excellent for daily piano study or for a better understanding of common practice tonal harmony. Great notes in the back for reference. The basis of tonality lies within these pages.