Definition and background:
A catalogue system to identify the compositions of J. S. Bach. The numbers following the initials BWV identify the compositions according to Wolfgang Schmieder's organization system of J. S. Bach's compositions. Also referred to as BWV.
For more information on the music term "Bach-werke-verzeichnis" check out these other resources:
Wikipedia - Glossary of Musical Terminology
Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary
ORB -- Medieval Music Glossary