(Click on photo to see larger image) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a forceful, original composer whose legacy influenced almost all western music, married the young Anna Magdalena in 1721. She was a singer in the court at Anhalt-C6then, where Bach presided over the musicians. Anna made their home a fountain of musical support and was an inspiration for all of their children, many of whom went on to be accomplished musicians and prolific composers in their own right. For Anna's 24th birthday, J. S. Bach presented to her a beautiful, elaborate notebook. Over the years, the notebook was filled with favorite selections of members of the Bach family, many in Anna's handwriting. How many of these delightful, graceful short pieces were composed by J. S. Bach is unknown, but the genuine merits of this warm, delightful collection of Baroque keyboard music is, nonetheless, well known and appreciated by teachers and students. This Alfred edition of Anna Magdalena's Notebook was carefully and methodically prepared by Willard A. Palmer from the original autographs. The simplicity and accessibility of the pieces do not undermine their melodic beauty or harmonic sophistication, making them an excellent choice for the introduction of Baroque music to young musicians. The painting Bach with His Family at Morning Devotion was created by Toby Edward Rosenthal in 1870. All of Bach's children received musical training from him and, at one point, he boasted he could form a vocal and instrumental ensemble just from his family alone. This painting was chosen for this cover because it conveys the love and encouraging musical environment that was very much a part of the Bach household. This book contains the following pieces:
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