Although the „fantasia” was already considered as old-fashioned around 1700, this genre exerted a particular fascination on the very young Bach ╩ he had since relocated to Köthen ╩ and the experienced composer as well. Volume 3 of the Complete Organ Works, gathers together all transmitted organ fantasias by Bach, the fragments of the fugues belonging to them and all individual fugues as well. It is included, for instance, the Fantasia in C BWV 570, probably the master’s oldest free organ work. Undoubtedly, the most notable works in this edition are the celebrated Fantasia in g BWV 542/1 and the Fuga in g BWV 542/2. Did Bach actually intend a combination of the two pieces as a joint composition? This and other intriguing questions concerning versions, sources and genre history are examined by editor Pieter Dirksen in the introduction and comments.

An elaborate synopsis, versions and dubious works complement the edition online.