3 Preludes

Johann Effler(1634 - 1711) was a German organist and composer. During his life he was organist in Gehren (from 1655 till 1678) where he was succeeded by Johann Michael Bach, in the Predigerkirche in Erfurt (from 1673 till 1678) where he was succeeded by Johann Pachelbel. And in 1678 he became Hoforganist in Weimar, till 1708, when he was succeeded by Johann Sebastian Bach. Effler was closely related with the Bach-family even before Johann Sebastian was born. It seems plausible that Effler felt responsible for supporting and promoting their most gifted yet orphaned offspring. Not only does it seem likely that Effler served as an early mentor for Sebastian, but that he also invited Bach to Weimar to assist him in 1702. Perhaps Effler even recommended Bach to serve as examiner of the new organ in Arnstadt in 1703, in the course of which, presumably, Bach made a good enough impression on the authorities to be offered the organist’s post. And perhaps Effler notified Bach in advance that he planned on retiring, leading to Bach's visit in 1708 to Weimar and his subsequent hiring as Chamber- and Court-Organist. In short, Effler might have had a significant influence on Bach's early career.

Manuscipt Ms 001, owned by the Bibliothek der Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Frankfurt, contains a few small works by Effler: 3 preludes and a 'Toccata super Magnificat'. Nice little works they are, they are nowhere near the quality of Bach's organ works. The manuiscript does not indicate wether or not the pedals should be used. The third prelude however has some notes spread to far out to be able to play them with hands alone, so I surmise that third prelude is meant pedaliter. The other two are playble with the hands alone.


Score available here: https://partitura.org/index.php/johann-effler-3-pr