In 1950, the commemorations of the bicentennial of Bach's death in Göttingen and Leipzig led to the initiative to publish his complete works in a critical scientific edition.
Initially the duration of the edition was estimated as 15 to 20 years, but the scientific work with the sources required much more time than anticipated.
[2][3] The second revised edition of the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, and the Bach-Digital website refer to the NBE volume and page number for every listed composition by Bach.
[5][6] In February 2010 the Bach Archive and the publisher announced a revision of single volumes, in order to include new sources and findings.
Approximately 15 more volumes are planned, including Weimar cantatas (five works), the St John Passion, the motets, the violin sonatas, the cello suites and others.
[7] In 2001 the German Association of Music Publishers (Deutscher Musikverlegerverband) awarded a special prize to the New Bach Edition in recognition of editorial achievement.