Bach - Fugue in E minor - Tempo?

[comfyc]

Hey everyone,

I've recently learned Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E minor, and I'm going to play it at a university audition. Most pianists I hear on recordings play the fugue at a very fast speed. However, my piano teacher told me it was a solemn piece about a crucifixion, and I was never to play it fast. For the audition, what do you suggest?

Thanks.

[j_menz]

Which one?

[comfyc]

Sorry for not specifying - WTC book 1.

[j_menz]

Gulda:

Richter:

Gould (Fugue only):

Fischer:

Kempff (W):

That seems to me to cover the range. 

I think your teacher has his or her pieces mixed up. Apart from anything else, Bach would never use a 2 voice fugue for something so solemn.

[lazyfingers]

However, my piano teacher told me it was a solemn piece about a crucifixion,

I think your teacher is perhaps referring to Bach's alleged belief that E minor is the key for the crucifixion because the single sharp, called Kreuz in German, stands for the Cross.

Personally, I don't believe Bach intended for this P&F to represent the Crucifixion.

[quantum]

As a matter of reference, here is the Crucifixus from the Mass in B minor.

[coda_colossale]

Wasn't the crucifixion fugue the five-voice one in C# minor?

[lazyfingers]

As a matter of reference, here is the Crucifixus from the Mass in B minor.

Thanks for that - very nice. The Crucifixus part is actually written in E minor. Perhaps that is where the story about Bach's key association came from.

[lazyfingers]

Wasn't the crucifixion fugue the five-voice one in C# minor?

Might be true but never came across that one. A lot of crosses to bear.

[j_menz]

Might be true but never came across that one. A lot of crosses to bear.

Some people suggest that one. Others suggest the B minor one.  Methinks if you look for symbolism you will find what you look for.

[coda_colossale]

https://bach.nau.edu/clavier/nature/fugues/Fugue04.html