...a work that can give the reader a clearer understanding of the meaning of Bach's numerous sacred cantatas...the price is most reasonable for such a substantial work.

American Reference Books Annual

...attentive to the more difficult turns of phrase that can be disguised or otherwise compromised in 'poetic translations'...

Choice Reviews

To understand the relation between [Bach's cantata texts] and the scriptures-which in Bach's time were common knowledge-is of utmost importance...[Unger's] extensive work is an important source for all who want to further their understanding of Bach's church cantatas...

Helmuth Rilling, Director, Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart

In all, for both its careful translations and exegesis of the Bach texts, this will be a valuable addition to academic and large public libraries serving a specialized music audience.

Rq

...for libraries, choral directors, music ministers, singers, instrumentalists, and fans, this volume is a wonderful investment...what more can you ask for? ...in a very handy form. Included is a wealth of information that has previously been available only by consulting a number of other books (some in German). The work includes a good selected bibliography and a number of extremely helpful indexes...this is the finest one-volume reference book on Bach's cantatas in English and will do a lot to stimulate both general and scholarly interest in these magnificent works.

American Record Guide

Unger has provided a reference work of great importance and value...a wide use of this Handbook is warmly recommended.

Alfred Mann, Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music