The cantatas of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Published in 1981, Elena Borysenko’s scholarly examination of the cantatas of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach emerged during a period of renewed academic interest in the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. The work was intended to bridge the gap in musicological literature regarding the transition from the late Baroque to the pre-Classical style, specifically focusing on the idiosyncratic and often turbulent creative output of Wilhelm Friedemann. By analyzing the structural complexities and harmonic daring found within these sacred works, Borysenko sought to rehabilitate the reputation of a composer frequently overshadowed by his father and his younger brother, Carl Philipp Emanuel.

The design and scholarly approach of the volume reflect the rigorous standards of musicology departments during the early 1980s, prioritizing comprehensive thematic indexing and archival analysis. Borysenko’s research was received by the academic community as a necessary addition to the study of the Bach family lineage, serving as a foundational reference for performers and historians interested in the stylistic evolution of the period. It remains a quiet but significant cornerstone for those looking to understand the unique challenges and innovations present in Wilhelm Friedemann's vocal compositions.