These are the prefatory texts for the first ten volumes of the Bach Gesellschaft Ausgabe, a monumental scholarly edition of Bach's complete works. They offer insights into the editorial process and historical context of the music.
Understanding the historical context and editorial challenges presented in these prefaces is the primary focus.
Bach Gesellschaft Ausgabe Prefaces (Books 1-10) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
Bach Gesellschaft Ausgabe Prefaces (Books 1-10) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.