Die Bach-Quellen in Wien und Alt-Österreich

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In the musically rich regions of the former Austrian empire, a remarkable array of source materials for studying Bach has been uncovered. This catalogue presents descriptions of nearly 1800 identified sources, including Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian copies, as well as Bachiana from Austrian monasteries, all catalogued alongside sources from Viennese libraries that were acquired only in the 20th century. Additionally, it incorporates Viennese sources now located in other institutions, particularly in Berlin, creating a complex source puzzle that encompasses historical catalogues from copyists’ workshops, publishers, and private collections, along with letters and printed works by the Bach family from (former) Austrian libraries. Designed as a resource for ongoing reception studies, the catalogue aims to deepen the understanding of Bach's reception in Austria from 1740 to 1850, a topic previously known only superficially. The music of Bach’s sons is given equal importance to that of the father. The catalogue adheres to a high standard of description, featuring watermarks, handwriting analyses, facsimiles, and a detailed index, making it an essential tool for researchers in this field.