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SELECTIONS FROM ANNA MAGDALENA'S NOTEBOOK

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ohann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a forcefu l', original composer whose legacy influenced almost ali western music , married the young Anna Magdalena in 1721 . She was a singer in the court at Anhalt-Cbthen, where Bach presided over the musicians. Anna made their home a fountain of musical support and was an inspiration for ali of their children, many of whom went on to be accomplished musicians and prolific composers in their own right. For Anna 's 24th birthday, J. S. Bach presented to her a beautiful, elaborate notebook. Over the years, the notebook was filled with favorite select,ons of members of the Bach family , many in Anna's handwriting . How many of i

these delightful, graceful short pieces were composed by J. S. Bach is unknown, but the genuine merits of this warm , delightful collection of Baroque keyboard music is, nonetheless, well known and appreciated by teachers and students. This Alfred edition of Anna Magda/ena's Notebook was carefully and methodically prepared by Willard A. Palmer from the original autographs. The simplicity and accessib ility of the pieces do not undermine their melodic beauty or harmonic sophistication , making them an excellent choice for the i,ntroduction of Baroque music to young musicians .

The painting Bach with His Fami/y at Morning Oevotion was created by Toby Edward Rosenthal in 1870. Ali of Bach's chlldren received musical training from him and, at one point, he boasted he could form a vocal and instrumental ensemble ~ ust from his family alone. This painting was chosen for this cover because it conveys the love and encouraging musical environment that was very much a part of the Bach household.

J. S. BACH

A CD recording of the selections in

Anna Magdalena's Notebook, pertormed by

Valery Lloyd-Watts, is available separately (#16792).

ISBN 0-88284-262-5

ALFRED PUBLlSHING CO., INC.

P.O . Box 10003, 16320 Roscoe Blvd . Van Nuys, CA 91410-0003

38081 01833

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