Schumann and his deep love for Bach (Well Tempered Clavier)

[presto agitato]

Robert Schumann had a deep love for Bach. He famously suggested that all composers and pianists ought to make Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier compositions their "daily bread". Said Schumann, "Let The Well-Tempered Clavier be your daily bread. Then you will certainly become a solid musician." That is to say, it should be studied (or 'consumed') everyday—thus 'daily bread'.

What do you think?

[becky8898]

Hi Presto  - i think so. my Teacher has had me on a strong course of Bach ever since im six.  to me bach allows for development of both hands, equally and lets one learn how to bring out different voices.  I hate Czerny and Hanon ,  but feel that Bach can teach a pianist so much. If I only had one book to give to a student it would be Bach.  And I say this as a person who is in love with Beethoven and Chopin.  Every day I play from the WTC, so maybe it is my bread of life. 

Cheers, Becky

[camstrings]

Schumann's love of Bach extended to writing piano parts to go with the violin sonatas & partitas. Violinists are usually not too enthused by this, but I think they have been recorded with the piano addition. Perhaps someone here has played or heard this version?