Bach Fugue In C Minor - Things To Know For Exam?

[fuel925]

In November I will be taking the Grade 8 exam. One of the pieces I am learning for this exam is Bach's Fugue In C Minor from Book 1 of the WTC. What things do you think I need to know about this piece, in the event the examiner asks me questions about it? Remember its Grade 8, not Diploma level so I don't need to go to a really technical level. Any tips would be helpful.

PS. I already know about the analysis at this site: https://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/wtc.html but I think it is too in-depth for this grade, and I don't really understand what it's harping on about anyway!

[prometheus]

What is it you do not understand from that site?

I have no idea what knowledge is required for the particilar exam so I would be kind of shooting in the dark when I am going to comment in depth on that particular fugue.

[dagarub]

  i don´t understand the correct form of play the fugue articulation, some people plays all fugue with staccato but other persons plays the 1/8 note only with portato.
please help!!

[gerry]

At this grade level, I doubt if examiners/jurists would be impressed by a copy-cat interpretation, which is how yours would probably come across judging from your questions. I don't know what edition you are using, but I would recommend examining the notation closely and practicing accordingly, then, when you have mastered the work technically, experiment with different attacks and phrasing and decide what YOU think improves the result.

[nyonyo]

To me, it will be VERY impressive for a grade 8 candidates if he or she can copy, say, Glen Gould interpretation. What is wrong copying a world class piano artist. I will be very flattered if people tell me I play like Horowitz. For a professional pianist, it can be an insult, but for regular people, it is a praise....

Anyway, this person is not going to perform in front of music critique who will tell the whole world that he or she sounded like a copy of Glen Gould.

I like the above performance, just too bad she did not play the fugue. But I really like her Prelude...Pay attention to the bass line that she emphasized...