visually interpreting bach
Go to: 1 2 3 4 links next>


the key to bach

Fugues. Preludes. And of course Bach. These words may strike fear into a child still in his early stages of learning piano. It sure did for me. But perhaps understanding these prolific works of Bach may allow the player to have some appreciation for it. The most obvious characteristic of these fugues is that each one is written in a different key.

The Well-Tempered Clavier, composed in 1722 and 1744 and widely considered Bach's pinnacle of keyboard music, is divided into two books, each containing 24 preludes and fugues, with each prelude and fugue moving successfully upwards in key, starting with C major. Let's take a look at his 9th fugue of Book 1. Looks like fun right? Trying practicing it 100 times. It's like the fun never ends.

 

 

 

Daniel Han
ISE599
Spring 2004

The University of Southern California does not screen or control the content on this website and thus does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of such content. All content on this website is provided by and is the sole responsibility of the person from which such content originated, and such content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the University administration or the Board of Trustees