Bach, prelude in G Major book I : Time signature (?)

[m1469]

I just have a little question with regard to the time signature here.  In the bass clef, the time signature is "common time" while in the Treble clef, the time signature is 24/16.

Why ? 

Why not just have both be in 4 ? 

(and for that matter, why even have a time signature of 24/16 ?  My only guess is that this changes the articulation a little)


m1469 


ps-  Kalmus edition

[allchopin]

It doesn't change the articulation, but the implied tempo.  This could have been a way of writing something like 'Allegro' on music today.  Of course this is pointless to do now, because we can use metronome markings and/or words and just 1) simplify the time signature to 3/2 or 2) just write the notes as triplets.

[m1469]

It doesn't change the articulation, but the implied tempo.  This could have been a way of writing something like 'Allegro' on music today. 

hmmm... that's interesting.  Thanks 

[sonatainfsharp]

It doesn't change the articulation, but the implied tempo.  This could have been a way of writing something like 'Allegro' on music today.  Of course this is pointless to do now, because we can use metronome markings and/or words and just 1) simplify the time signature to 3/2 or 2) just write the notes as triplets.

I couldn't agree more!

Another example I often use is the time signature for Chopin's e minor prelude. There is a reason it is in 2/2 and not 4/4.

[fuel925]

I couldn't agree more!

Another example I often use is the time signature for Chopin's e minor prelude. There is a reason it is in 2/2 and not 4/4.

Could you please elaborate more on what you said about the time signature being 2/2 instead of 4/4? In what ways would this affect the way the music sounds?