The organ works of Johann Ludwig Krebs borrow pervasively but subtly from his organ teacher, J. S. Bach. The resemblance between the free organ works of Krebs and their Bach models is readily apparent and commented upon by editors of their critical editions. Krebs borrows fugue subjects, pedal work, and other figurations from Bach, although Krebs’s prelude and fugue pairs typically use different models. In the case of Krebs’s Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, the choice of Bach elements that are left out is also notable; Bach’s stylus fantasticus sections are absent from Krebs’s work. Despite Krebs’s reliance on Bach models, he does differ from the style of his teacher on several fronts, most notably in his treatment of counterpoint. While Krebs’s borrowing of Bach’s music has played a role in limiting his own influence, there is still much to enjoy in performing the works of J. L. Krebs.

Works: Johann Ludwig Krebs: Praeludium und Doppelfuge in F Minor (28), Double Fugue in D Minor (29), Prelude and Fugue in C Minor (28), Prelude and Fugue in A Minor (28-29), Fugue in A Minor, BWV Anh. 181 (29)

Sources: J. S. Bach: Prelude in B Minor, BWV 544 (28), Prelude and Fugue in E Minor “The Wedge,” BWV 548 (28-29), Passacaglia in C Minor, BWV 582 (28), Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540 (28), Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 549 (28), Fugue on a Theme of Legrenzi, BWV 574 (28), Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 546 (29)

Index Classifications: 1700s

Contributed by: Matthew Van Vleet