BachGesellschaft

The Bach-Gesellschaft (BG) was a German musicological society founded in 1850. Its primary aim was to publish a complete and authoritative edition of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This monumental undertaking was completed in 1900, resulting in the Bach-Gesellschaft Ausgabe (BG Edition), which became the standard for Bach scholarship and performance for decades.

The society was instrumental in reviving interest in Bach's music during the 19th century, a period when many of his compositions were not widely known or performed. The BG Edition provided musicians and scholars with reliable scores, correcting errors found in earlier, less systematic publications. Key figures involved in the society and its edition included prominent composers and musicologists of the time.

While the BG Edition was a landmark achievement, subsequent scholarship and discoveries have led to newer, more critical editions. However, the Bach-Gesellschaft's contribution to Bach's legacy and to the field of music publishing remains profoundly significant. It set a precedent for scholarly editions of major composers' works and played a crucial role in establishing Bach's position as one of the greatest composers in Western music. The society eventually disbanded after achieving its primary objective.