Bach - Prelude and Fugue in c# minor, BWV849 (WTC I)

[andhow04]

the very famous prelude and fugue in c# minor from the first book. the prelude is a lamento in more or less three parts; in a way it could be instructive to compare this with the c# minor prelude from book II, which is in a similar mood.  although this is great music and writing, in book II there is definitely a higher freedom of counterpoint, and the lines are more amazingly independent. still, this has enough to convey a powerful mood.

the fugue is famous as being th eother fugue from the WTC besides b-fat minor book I in five parts, also the chiasmus shaped subject which has led so many commentators to relate this to christ carrying hsi cross to mount calvary. the entrance of the two counter subjects, the eighth note subject spiralling down, and the lament of the repeated notes in the quarter note subject are both dramatic. there is a stretto at the end between the main subject and the quarter note one, which builds a lot of tension.

all in all a triumph of bach's sublime imagination.


c# minor from book II:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=46628.0

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[brogers70]

I've yet to hear a recording from you that I didn't like. This is great; my favorite fugue from WTC. It has a really big, slow structure and needs the slower tempo you gave it. You really show the whole, long arch of the fugue, with sustained concentration. I loved it.

[furtwaengler]

I listened to this through the site yesterday. I love the recording...actually I wish I had the words to express just how pleased I am with this account, but at this hour they fail me.

Incidentally I was looking on your recordings page intending to look up the other Bach preludes and fugues you've posted but got distracted by your excellent performance of Ravel's Tombeau de Couperin. I wanted to mention I found both the recording and the thread very helpful.

Also I want to mention a week or so ago I was compiling some of Fnork's recent recordings and bumped into your Hovhaness which I really enjoyed. All the best!

[emill]

Hello!

Sometimes I feel frustrated to be merely a listener, not having any formal training in music, but over the decades listening to the classics has probably given me some confidence in stating my opinion about the manner by which a piece is played.

Many Bach pieces to me is not particularly attractive as many Chopin and Beethoven pieces are. It seems that a good number of Bach pieces are so well structured that they give a feeling of regularity and periodicity as if it was a mathematician who composed the piece. 

But I must say that the way you play Bach, in my opinion has a melodious and singing quality .... which you are able to introduce successfully.... for me making the piece attractive!  I hope I am talking sense ??

[scottmcc]

Marvelous. This fugue is truly one of the best in the wtc, and you've done well here. I keep picking this piece up and not finishing it...truly a shame!

I like the way you voice the fugue, and the clarity of the 3 different motives.  Thanks!