Revival, Improvement, Fidelity : Aspects of Organ-Related Transcriptions of J. S. Bach’s Music in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

The chapter discusses organ-related transcriptions as an aspect of the Bach reception of the 19th and early 20th centuries, departing from three key concepts: revival, improvement (related to the idea of general progress current in the 19th century) and fidelity. The three main figures discussed represent different approaches to transcribing, while sharing the same basic attitudes and beliefs. Franz Liszt's organ-related transcriptions show a varied picture; in some of them, he observes extreme fidelity to the letter of the original, whereas in others he makes substantial additions and changes. Ferruccio Busoni not only published his own transcriptions for piano of many of Bach's larger organ works; he also developed pedagogical methods and principles for such transcriptions, believing these works to be an indispensable part of the pianist's repertoire. Sigfrid Karg-Elert transcribed Bach for the organ, in particular some of the larger clavier works, since he saw the 'modern organ' of his time as the ideal instrument for conveying the expressive qualities of these compositions. The transcription activities of each of the three composes is discussed using the three keywords as probing tools.