This first of a two-volume study deals with the earlier part of Bach's career, and examines the output of his youth and its many external influences, before moving on to study the first great masterpieces in which Bach's own personal voice begins to emerge. Through careful analysis of music, Jones identifies key aspects of Bach's musical fabric, forms, styles and techniques that develop and mature, capturing a fascinating image of Bach the supreme composer. To me Jones does this to the level that has been attempted and succeeded before.