Bach: Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 33
Cantata for the 13th Sunday after Trinity.
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
- Editors: Christoph Wolff, Peter Wollny
- Format: Facsimile
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Chamber Orchestra
- Work: Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 33
- Work Languages: English, German
- ISBN:
- Size: 9.4 x 15.0 inches
- Pages: 94
Description
The cantata " Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" BWV 33, composed for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity in 1724, is now the only vocal work by Bach for which the complete source material from the time of composition can be published in facsimile. It is one of the few works by Bach for which material from the first performance survives almost complete. But this is held in different locations on several continents: the composition score is preserved in the Scheide Library at Princeton , US , the performance parts in the Bach- Archiv Leipzig and the libretto of 1724 in the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg . All these components have now been published in a high-quality facsimile edition.
This valuable edition, with a slip case, offers both specialists and lovers of Bach's music a unique insight into the composer's working methods and the changing performing circumstances he encountered. Additional information is contained in a detailed commentary (in German and English) by Christoph Wolff and Peter Wollny .
BWV 33 belongs to the unique annual cycle of chorale cantatas composed by Bach in 1724/25, the second year of his Leipzig tenure. The cantata is one of the very few works where all the relevant source materials for the first performance have been preserved but are kept in various libraries throughout the world : The composing score is kept at the Scheide Library in Princeton, the vocal-instrumental performing parts at the Bach Archive Leipzig and the original libretto at the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg.
The facsimile offers invaluable insights into the composer's workings and the changing conditions for performances under his direction.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Digital Download
Digital, PDF version of the score.



