Quick search help

Works (first search field)

This simple search returns detailed information on the works of J. S. Bach and other composers of the Bach family.

Enter in the first search field:

  • Number (in the works catalog) - Examples: 232, 'BWV 12', 'BWV 232.4', 'BWV 194a', 'BC D 7', 'Wq 21', 'BR-CPEB E 4', 'Warb G 4' oder Warb

or

  • Title or title keyword - Examples: Bekümmernis, Weihnachts-Oratorium, frohlocket, Präludium oder Trio

In principle, a number is sufficient, even if you do not know the abbreviation of the corresponding works catalog. You can then obtain more precise search results using three filter functions: asterisks (Weihn*) for abbreviations, single quotation marks (‘Jesu meine Freude’), and checked boxes under the first search slot (before the composer’s name or the group of works; a combined search is possible, i.e. several boxes can be checked simultaneously).

Please note: the search is not case-sensitive; in addition, commas, hyphens, dots and spaces are not taken into account.

(No filter functions with Boolean operators are possible, i.e. no logical combinations of terms with AND, OR, NOT, etc.).

Sources (second search field)

This simple search returns detailed information on the sources of works by J. S. Bach and other composers of the Bach family, as well as works from J. S. Bach’s music library.

Enter in the second search field

  • RISM siglum (international library abbreviation) - Examples: D-LEb, D-B, US-Wc – oder: Privatbesitz

oder

  • Signature of a source (library signature) - Examples: Mus.Ms.

You can then obtain more precise search results using three filter functions: asterisk (US*) for abbreviations, single quotation marks (‘Mus.ms.Bach’), and checked boxes under the second search slot.

Please note: Do not enter a works catalog number in the second search field. No combined searches with the first and second search fields are possible.

Tip: These boxes can be checked:

  • with digitized manuscript - Search: digitized manuscripts and original prints with works by J. S. Bach and the Bach family
  • original source - Search: only autographs, original performance materials, and original prints of works by J. S. Bach and the Bach family
  • J. S. Bach - Search: only sources with works by J. S. Bach

If you are only looking for digitized original sources by J. S. Bach, please check all three boxes.