Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C Minor, WTC I, BWV 847

[neverfinished]

Hi, I'm looking at minoring in music this fall. My audition requirement was two pieces of contrasting styles/eras. and this is one of them. I can more or less play the notes for the prelude and fugue from memory, but want advice on HOW to play it. I want to understand what my end product will be so I can practice it properly I'll try to put up a video in a few weeks.

In the prelude, I play the sixteenth notes fairly connected, certainly not staccato, and emphasize beats one and three to bring out some melody. About what tempo(bpm) do you suggest for each section? I can't yet play the Presto hands together at speed. What is the best way to practice this?

This is my first fugue. I wrote out the parts for the three voices separately, and am beginning to self teach myself counterpoint with some online resources and am getting a book from the library to help understand it.

Here is my idea so far. I play the subject with the eighth notes C G, C D, and C D staccato. I play the subject the same way every time it appears. I staccato the same notes in the answer. Every time the subject is alluded to the eighth notes will be staccato like the subject. Everything else will be legato. Is this reasonable? What other considerations do I need to make about handling the different voices in a fugue?

I was confused by the amount variation in performance between all the different recordings. Is there a stand out pianist that would make a good model for me?

[sleepapnea]

WWBD? (What would Bach do?)

Leonhardt:

[neverfinished]

Suppose Bach were on a deserted island, with food, water, shelter, and a modern piano. Then WWBD?

[j_menz]

Suppose Bach were on a deserted island, with food, water, shelter, and a modern piano. Then WWBD?

WWBD?

1) Make it easier for us by not having so many offspring (CPE, JC, PDQ etc)

2) Finish the Art of the Fugue?

3) No doubt something astonishing with the capabilities of the instrument.

[asuhayda]

It sounds to me like you're on the right track with this..

I am a big fan a Glenn Gould, but I'm not crazy about his interpretation of the prelude to this particular P&F.. too slow.  However, his articulation of the Fugue is pretty cool.  You may want to give his recording a listen and see if you get any ideas.

I'm with you when it comes to playing things consistently.  I usually play 8th notes with a "fat" staccato articulation and playing the 16th passages "fairly" legato. 

But, I think you're right on the money with the subject.  Decide on your presentation of the subject and stay true to it throughout the piece. How you play it is ultimately up to you.. that's what's so cool about Bach.  You become an "interpreter" instead of a performer.. 

One really effective way to practice fugues is to play one/two voice(s) and sing the other while your playing.. it helps you to get better idea of "where you are going".. there is usually an endpoint and it's important to identify it.  Not to mention that it helps you to really learn and understand the voicings well.

Hope this helps you!