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Specifications
FEATURES: 12 Preludes and 12 Fugues in all major and minor keys.
The pieces are numbered, usually as follows:
C Major Prelude and Fugue
C Minor Prelude and Fugue
C# Major Prelude and Fugue
C# Minor Prelude and Fugue
D Major Prelude and Fugue
D Minor Prelude and Fugue
E Major Prelude and Fugue
E Minor Prelude and Fugue
E Major Prelude and Fugue
E Minor Prelude and Fugue
F Major Prelude and Fugue
F Minor Prelude and Fugue
F# Major Prelude and Fugue
F# Minor Prelude and Fugue
G Major Prelude and Fugue
G Minor Prelude and Fugue
A Major Prelude and Fugue
A Minor Prelude and Fugue
A Major Prelude and Fugue
A Minor Prelude and Fugue
B Major Prelude and Fugue
B Minor Prelude and Fugue
B Major Prelude and Fugue
B Minor Prelude and Fugue
Editorial Features: Modern editions often include fingerings, performance notes, and historical context.
Musical Style: Continuation of Bach’s exploration of counterpoint and harmonic structures found in Book 1.
Pedagogical Value: Used as a critical teaching tool for developing advanced keyboard skills, encouraging expressive playing and interpretive understanding.
Interpretation: Each piece offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities for artistic expression.
Intended Use
Purpose: Ideal for advanced piano students, professional pianists, and those seeking to delve deeper into the complexity of Bach’s music.
Performance: Frequently performed in concerts, recitals, and competitions, forming an essential part of the classical piano repertoire.
This collection enriches the study of Bach's music, providing an extensive range of technical and expressive challenges, while fostering a deep appreciation for the Baroque style.
SPECIFICATION: Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Publication Date: Original composition dates back to 1722; modern editions vary.
Publisher: Various editions available, including those by reputable publishers like ABRSM, Henle, and Peters.
Books Available: Book 2 contains 24 pieces (12 pairs of preludes and fugues).
Page Count: Typically ranges from 100 to 150 pages, depending on the edition.
Size: Standard A4 or letter size for ease of reading while playing.
Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 is a significant collection of keyboard music by Johann Sebastian Bach, consisting of 24 preludes and fugues that explore every major and minor key. This second book, composed between 1735 and 1742, serves as both a pedagogical tool and a profound musical statement, showcasing Bach's unparalleled mastery of counterpoint and harmonic complexity.
Key Features:
- Structure: The collection comprises 12 pairs of preludes and fugues, each exhibiting Bach’s ingenuity in musical form and exploration of thematic development.
- Technical and Musical Depth: The pieces vary in complexity, offering both advanced students and professional musicians a rich tapestry of technical challenges and expressive possibilities.
- Educational Value: Serving as a cornerstone of keyboard repertoire, this collection is essential for developing sight-reading, improvisation, and interpretative skills. It encourages musicians to engage deeply with Bach's intricate musical language.
- Historical Importance: "The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2" builds on the foundations laid in Book 1, further solidifying Bach's influence on Western classical music and inspiring generations of composers and performers.
- Interpretative Flexibility: Each prelude and fugue invites various interpretations, allowing performers to infuse their personal style while remaining true to Bach's intent.
This collection is not just a set of exercises but a journey through the expressive possibilities of the keyboard, making it a vital addition to any pianist’s library. It invites exploration and interpretation, challenging musicians to uncover the depth and beauty of Bach's enduring legacy.
Inquiry - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2
