The Fugue in G minor, BWV 131a, is a piece of organ music attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach.[1] It is a transcription of the last movement of his cantata Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131.[2] The cantata is definitely by Bach, while the arrangement for organ is regarded by some authorities (from Spitta onwards) as spurious.[citation needed] The organ version likely originated after the cantata, which was composed in 1707.[a][3]
The piece was published in 1891 in the Bach-Gesellschaft Ausgabe, the first complete edition of the composer's works. It was edited by Ernst Naumann.[4]
The key of G minor, sometimes associated with sadness, is used extensively in the cantata, which sets Psalm 130, one of the penitential psalms.[citation needed]
In the cantata the fugue (apermutation fugue) is sung by the choir.[citation needed] The score of the cantata does not feature an organ part as such.[citation needed][relevant?] However, the scoring for the instrumental ensemble includes a basso continuo part (for which a figured bass is provided), and Bach may well have intended this to be played on the organ.[relevant?][5] Ton Koopman, for example, in his recording of this cantata uses organ continuo.[citation needed][relevant?]
