“Bach Bible” facsimile in the works
The 3-volume Bible commentary compiled by 17th-century theologian Abraham Calov and once in the library of Johann Sebastian Bach has recently been digitized in anticipation of publishing a facsimile edition. The publisher is Uitgeverij van Wijnen in the Netherlands. New technology enabled the high-quality digitizing to be done without dis-binding the volumes. The commentary facsimile is intended to appeal to practitioners of at least two disciplines: music and theology. Calov is both editor and author of the commentary, using as he does both Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible and primarily Luther’s comments on the text, adding his own commentary when no material is available in Luther’s works. The work was printed in 1681-82.
The volumes are the only known, i.e., identified, books from the library of J. S. Bach. Some 25 marginal annotations of Bach, along with underlining and other marginal markings, are evidence of the composer’s use of the volumes. Careful analysis of the handwriting, as well as technical analysis of the ink done in the 1980s, established the authenticity of Bach’s ownership.
For further information regarding anticipated pricing and availability, e-mail the publisher at info@uitgeverijvanwijnen.nl
For information at the publisher’s web site, click on http://www.uitgeverijvanwijnen.nl/
http://www.uitgeverijvanwijnen.nl/index-agenda.htm
High quality full-size frameable reproductions of the title page of Vol. 1, with Bach’s monogram, an annotated page from II Chronicles, as well as an enlargement of Bach’s annotation on the latter, are available from Concordia Seminary Library.
To see color images of the reproductions, click on
Title page
II Chronicles page
II Chronicles margin note
The 11x14 actual-size title page and page from II Chronicles are $12 each; the 8x10 enlargement of the annotation and verse (5:13) is $10. The set of 3 is available for $32. Add $3 for s&h.
To order, please send request to oschwaldji@csl.edu