Bach - Prelude and Fugue in E major, BWV878 (Book II)

[andhow04]

the lovely prelude and fugue in e major from the second book.
The prelude is one that i am seeing is typical of the second book, in two parts with repeat signs, and in a very fluid, extremely refined counterpoint. other exmaples would include C major, B-flat major, f# minor jsut to name a few off the top of my head.

this one is particularly lovely because at cadences, the leading voices don't always resolve, adding a certain air of melancholy or nostalgia.  they just disappear and another voices takes over at the cadence.

the fugue is a so-called "white note" fugue, meaning it is in 4 / 2 meter and filled with whole and half notes. it also apparently follows some archaic rules about structuring fugues, concerning stretto: in each section (there are strong cadences to mark the different points) bach introduces stretto at a closer and closer point in the theme. he combines at one point, in stretto, the theme in diminished rhythm; original rhythm; and inverted in diminished rhythm.

this fugue is very challenging rhythmically but it is not hard under the hands.

here is E major from book I:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=42582.msg467586#msg467586

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[iratior]

This was wonderful.  I'll be coming back here to replay -- especially the fugue.  I particularly liked the way there that you controlled the dynamics so that, when you hit the A a third below high C, the beauty of the harmony and counterpoint reached a zenith.

[j_menz]

Very nice indeed.  I personally prefer the fugue a little slower (but realise I'm very much in the minority on that one).  Also, the left hand trill in the prelude could stand a little refining.  That aside, I enjoyed this very much. 

[scottmcc]

Charming indeed. I have been meaning to delve into the wtc more myself, and this set is definitely on my list. I like the freshness which you bring to these. Thanks!

[andhow04]

thanks for the replies.  this is def. a good prelude and fugue for a concert, as are many especially from the second book i am finding, because the preludes are so much more intricate, and the fugues often very contrasting.  several preludes from the second book have really stuck out for me, including this one, the b-flat major, c# minor which is coming soon, c major, d major, f major, f# minor, and some others.  they are just more ingenious somehow than the simpler, but still effective preludes in book I.