Apparatus musico-organisticus (1690) : twelve toccatas, four independent pieces
Georg Muffat might be considered one of the most important German composers of the late seventeenth century. This reputation rests on the string concerti he published but these do not belie the importance of his only publication of organ music, the 1690 Apparatus musico-organisticus. It contains not only his twelve toccatas, but also four pieces that are playable on either the organ or harpsichord. These are among the most substantial works to have been composed before JS Bach, and are rich in technical virtuosity, rhetorical design and harmonic and melodic invention.