Bach's prelude in c major

[henrikhank]

Pax!
I am learning this prelude and I have some questions:
Glenn Gould performed it without pedal and with some stoccato. This mademe think about how much you should follow the original sheet music by Bach. But then I have another problem. I have never seen the original sheet music.  Do we even know how Bach wanted it to be performed? Should I even care? We are not talking about playing the organ at a Mass when you actually must follow more strict rules.
And when I learn this prelude should I focus on the musical theory of it or just play it?

[niluh01]

It depends how you want to interpret this piece. There are no rules, and you are allowed to use the pedal. There are however, some pianists, or teacher's who would be absolute against it. If you learn the chords of this piece, it might prove it easer for you to memorize.

[j_menz]

But then I have another problem. I have never seen the original sheet music.  Do we even know how Bach wanted it to be performed?

Bach did not indicate phrasing, pedal and rarely tempo or other dynamics, so the original sheet music would not help. Bach had awful handwriting, to boot, and often used clefs with which you are not familiar.

You are supposed to use your own musical sens and taste to know what to do. To the extent you lack these, listen to others play it - as wide a selection as your googling allows.

[worov]

I have never seen the original sheet music.

Have a look here :

https://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/7/79/IMSLP81759-PMLP05948-BWV_846.pdf