Bach - Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major, BWV852 (WTC I)

[andhow04]

the grand prelude and fugue in e-flat from the first book.  the prelude is rather like one of those multi-part organ preludes, with lots of pedal points and clear pedal entrances wth the subject.  it is very hard to get across, i think, partly because it is a long prlude and very complex, containing a full four-part fugue itself and because the subject is usually in stretto and it needs to be clear.

i learned the notes rather fast but had a difficult time recording it, there is even a flub in this one. the horror! but it was the best.

gould's recording of this is very chalelgning to the pianist, because the way he uses terraced dynamics is really effective. on one hand i was compelled to use a similar plan but didn't want to be a copycat.  I recmomend listening to gould's version of this prelude.

the fugue is very playful and charming, dance-like, and a little tricky for the fingers.  this is probably one of the bset sets for playing on a concert.

(19)

[kellyc]

Wonderful. Very very nice.  I thought your voicing on the fugue was just grand.  Everything was clear as a bell. I heard all the voices entering and exiting without any trouble at all. I loved your pacing. Everything seemed so relaxed and yet we both know when one plays Bach, our brain is racing a million miles a second so to speak. E flat and don't ask me why has always been one of my oh so favorite keys. It has always struck me as a beautifully warm restful key that has nothing but lush sounds to offer. At least in my humble opinion this may be your finest effort yet. You truly struck a connection with me.

You bring so much musicianship on the audition board with your playing, that all that musicianship could help some of the other posters with any comments you might care to make.

Once again , just wonderful and thanks for posting.

Kelly

[andhow04]

Wonderful. Very very nice.  I thought your voicing on the fugue was just grand.  Everything was clear as a bell. I heard all the voices entering and exiting without any trouble at all. I loved your pacing. Everything seemed so relaxed and yet we both know when one plays Bach, our brain is racing a million miles a second so to speak. E flat and don't ask me why has always been one of my oh so favorite keys. It has always struck me as a beautifully warm restful key that has nothing but lush sounds to offer. At least in my humble opinion this may be your finest effort yet. You truly struck a connection with me.

You bring so much musicianship on the audition board with your playing, that all that musicianship could help some of the other posters with any comments you might care to make.

Once again , just wonderful and thanks for posting.

Kelly

thanks for thsoe kind words.  YEs, you are right, playing anything by bach and especialyl something this complicated, you have to take a lot of information - a real lot of information -and make it all into a series of ideas.. you think about what came before, what is coming after, and what you are doing at the time.  esp. in this prelude where you have to come up with a scheme to differntiate the major sections - easy on the organ but you have to try harder on the piano.  that's where gould is so successful in my opinion in this.

i hear your constructive criticism about posting in the aud. room and may be so inclined. the one time i posted comments on someones recording it was one of those fake ppl that posted a copyrighted recording, pretending to be original,  and had asked me personally to comment.  how embarassing.  thats no exucse i know.  but i am often at a loss for words!

[danhuyle]

I don't like playing Bach because it's too hard for me. I do like listening to people play Bach.

Entry of the fugue had consistent articulation and I could notice it through the last few notes of the subject since the staccato makes it stand out.

[fleetfingers]

E flat and don't ask me why has always been one of my oh so favorite keys. It has always struck me as a beautifully warm restful key that has nothing but lush sounds to offer.

Funny, before I read your comment, I was thinking the same thing. Love the key of E flat.

andhow04, this was very nice. Not familiar with the piece, so no specific commentary. Just wanted to say that I enjoyed it.

[brogers70]

Hi Andhow04,

This is one of my favorite P&F pairs; I really like the contrast between the complex somlemnity of the prelude and the lightheartedness of the fugue. I enjoyed your performance; great as are all the Bach recordings you've put up. If I had to make some suggestions I'd say that I think the opening section of the prelude up until the 32nd note run and the cadence on Bb could sound more relaxed and improvisatory. The antique style chorale section was great. Then I think the double fugue within the prelude went by a bit too fast; it's very complicated to hear and it loses something if it's played too quick. I think of the final few bars of the prelude as Bach giving a bit of a sly wink at the fugue to come, and you captured that well. The fugue was very clear, but could maybe have been even a bit lighter. These are minor quibbles, though, I really like your Bach.

Bill

[scottmcc]

andhow, as usual I am highly impressed by your bach.  I haven't much to add to what has already been said, other than my usual encouragement to keep going!

[pianoplayjl]

I just want to say good playing. I've never heard of it before. I think you played it with a certain light touch which I like a lot. Nice playing of the subject, by the way. 

[rachfan]

Hi anyhow,

This is a wonderful Bach performance and up to your high standard as usual.  I really enjoyed listening. Thanks for posting it.

David