Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 870
Photo By Euben Clemente Jr.
Why Start in C?
Middle C is the first note that pianists learn. At the center of the piano, middle C serves as a guide to understanding the layout of the instrument. There are hundreds of inspiring piano pieces in C. Where to begin? I selected Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 870 because it is timeless. This Prelude and Fugue was the only keyboard piece to be placed on The Golden Record - a time capsule of life on earth that was commissioned by NASA - and launched into outer space on Voyager 1 in 1977. It left the solar system in 2004 and is now deep in outer space. What could be more enduring and timeless than this?
What Are Preludes and Fugues?
Oftentimes an introductory piece, a Prelude is usually a shorter piece of music. Preludes are written to seem improvised. They "set the table" by creating atmosphere and meditative ambience and encourage both the performer and listener to stop, be still and listen - something we can all work on! In a fugue, one or two themes are repeated or imitated by successively entering independent voices with equal value . I like to think of Fugues as musical weavings. While listening to this fugue, try to follow the original melody (subject) throughout the Fugue.
JS Bach's Preludes and Fugues
Bach wrote two books of Preludes and Fugues called The Well Tempered Clavier. Each collection contains pieces in all 24 major and minor keys. These pieces are considered some of the most important works in the history of classical music.
Today, Bach's Preludes and Fugues are a right of passage for most advanced piano students. Pianist Andras Schiff, a Bach expert, gave up tedious finger exercises and instead began his practice sessions with Bach. He claims "It gives me emotional, intellectual and physical pleasure and satisfaction." I couldn't agree more.
Thoughts?
Do you have any favorite Preludes and Fugues? Each has its own unique character traits. I will continue to explore several others in this blog. Happy listening, happy playing!
For Further Reading
https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/
https://www.classicfm.com/composers/bach/music/well-tempered-clavier/
https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2013/01/14/169356564/andras-schiffs-well-tempered-guide-to-bach
For Further Listening
Glen Gould, Murray Perahia, Martha Argerich, Andras Schiff, Angela Hewitt, and Vikingur Olafsson are all pianists known for their solid interpretations of Bach.
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