John Weeks Moore

“ But a year after he had entered upon it, making a journey to Weimar, to perform before the reigning duke, his playing on the organ was so highly approved of, that he was offered the situation of court organist, which he accepted. The extended sphere of action in which he here lived impelled him to exert himself to the utmost ; and it was probably during this period that he not only made himself so able a performer on the organ, but also laid the foundation of his great compositions for that instrument. He had still further occasion to improve in his art ”

“ And it must be observed, that, though many of Bach's pieces composed for the harpsichord also have a fine effect on a manual organ, particularly most of his forty-eight fugues in the Well-tempered Clavichord, the list of his works will show that they do not come under the denomination of his organ pieces; because they are deficient in his principal requisite for such pieces, namely, a part for obligato pedals ”

“ But his inclination and talent for music must have been already very great, since the pieces which his brother gave him to learn were so soon in his power that he began with much eagerness to look out for some that were more difficult. ”

“ Six Sonatas for the harpsichord, with a violin obligato ; 2. Many single Sonatas for the harpsichord, with accompaniments for the violin, flute, viola da gamba, &c. ; 3. Concertos for the harpsichord, with numerous accompaniments; 4. Two Concertos for two harpsichords, with accompaniments for violins, tenor, and violoncello ; 5. Two Concertos for three harpsichords, with the same accompaniments, which are also concerting among themselves ; 6. A Concerto for four harpsichords, with the above accompaniments. C. Works for the Organ. 1. Grand Preludes and Fugues, for manuals and obligato pedals ”