These Eight Short Preludes and Fugues were long thought to be by Bach, so each piece was given a BWV number. After research by Alfred Dürr however, scholars currently believe that the works were not composed by Bach. It is conceivable that they were written in the composer's workshop, perhaps by one of his pupils, but their authorship remains an open question.

In any case, these eight preludes and fugues provide excellent material for beginners on the organ who have mastered basic technique. They are works of high quality, and allow organists to practise registration, changing manuals, phrasing, and articulation.