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Fantasy and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H

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Cover of 2nd piano arr. (S.529ii) first edition, published in 1855.

Fantasie und Fuge über das Thema B-A-C-H (also in the first version known as Präludium und Fuge über das Motiv B-A-C-H, title in english: Fantasy and Fugue on the Theme B-A-C-H) (S.260i/ii [1st/2nd version], S.529i/ii [piano arr. of 1st/2nd version]) is an organ fantasy on the BACH motif composed by Franz Liszt in 1855, later revised in 1870. Both versions have been transcribed for solo piano by the composer. The fantasy was dedicated to Alexander Winterberger (who also played it on the premiere, 13 October 1856) and published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1856. It is, along with the Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale Ad nos, ad salutarem undam, one of Liszt's most famous organ works. It was composed for the consecration of the Ladegast organ in the Merseburg cathedral. The fugue is actually embedded as a section in the fantasy, and not a piece on its own. Critics referred to the fugue as "apparent arbitrariness behind which a supreme artificiality is hidden". The seemingly improvisational character of this composition is based on a strict formal foundation that gives a sublime effect. The fantasy is a recurring piece in the organ repertory and is frequently performed.

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