Bach Fantasia BWV 944

[andd845]

Hello!

I really like the fantasia in BWV944, but let's be specific here, Angela Hewitt's recording of it.
I've only recently realised, after going and finding the sheet music and listening to some, frankly depressingly literal, interpretations on youtube that many great and good musicians simply play simple arpeggios, by way of introduction to the fugue.

So ... Is Miss Hewitt playing a standard interpretation, (it really is very beautiful) which I can perhaps find some sheet music for, or has she used her vast Bach experience to make one up?

[j_menz]

Most people play what Bach wrote, which is not what he intended (or it's the most boring "Fantasia" ever written). He gives you the chord structure, around which to improvise, which is what Angela has done.

To start off, just play around with the notes in the written chords, and run up and down from the bass in the sort of quaver figures she uses, or go for semiquavers. Next, mix it up a bit, add a few in-between notes and you're on your way. Let your ears and taste be your guide.

[andd845]

Thanks!

I can't believe Bach intended people just to play those chords as straight-up arpeggios, so it's good to know I'm not alone there.

I could certainly make a go of trying what you suggest - doubt it will sound quite as good