Musical Offering (BWV 1079) Vol 3: Canons

J S Bach Musical Offering in C minor (BWV 1079) Vol 3: Canons (Score & Parts)
for flute, two violins, obbligato harpsichord and basso continuo

The Musical Offering (Das Musikalische Opfer) BWV 1079 is a collection of canons and fugues and other pieces by J.S. Bach, all based on a single musical theme given to him by Frederick II of Prussia, to whom they are dedicated.  The instrumentation is still a matter of debate, some scholars stating that, apart from the trio sonata, the rest of the pieces are meant for solo keyboard.

In 1747 Bach visited King Frederick II in Potsdam where he improvised over the theme provided by the king.  The ricercar for three voices most likely reflects the notated improvisation.  The six-part ricercar represents the Fugue in six obbligato parts subsequently requested by the king, which Bach supplemented with the canons contained in this edition (volume III).

- Urtext of the New Bach Edition