Johann Sebastian Bach

Piano Transcriptions by Walter Rummel

This collection of Rummel's J. S. Bach 'adaptions' for the Piano presents twelve titles from the original twenty-five originally published by J & W Chester between 1922 and 1938, demonstrating a range of styles from the contemplative Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier to the uninhibited Stürze zu Boden. A close friend of Debussy, Rummel belonged to a younger generation of leading composers, leading a trend away from previous Keyboard transcribers, established by Busoni, Liszt, Reger and others who concentrated on adapting Bach's Organ works rather than the Vocal music. This vibrant collection is suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists but will be of interest to all who enjoy Bach's music for Keyboard.

Born in Berlin to a diversely creative family, Walter Rummel (1887 - 1953) was surrounded by art and music from an early age. He came from a pedigree of distinguished musicians, his family home a favoured meeting place for musicians and artists alike. His great grandfather, Christian Rummel (1787 - 1849) was director of the court orchestra at Wiesbaden for Duke Wilhelm of Nassau and his maternal grandfather, Samuel Morse (1791 - 1892), the American painter and inventor of the telegraph.