This Prelude and Fugue was probably written during the
latter part of Bach's tenure in Arnstadt (1703-1707),
where he served as organist at the Neue Kirche. Thus,
it is an early work and while it may not be a major
achievement, it still exhibits the composer's
craftsmanship in contrapuntal writing and structure.
The piece opens with a joyous, lively theme that
centers largely on a four-note pattern that is often
mirrored in the harmonies of the left hand, giving the
Prelude plentiful contrapunta...(+)
This Prelude and Fugue was probably written during the
latter part of Bach's tenure in Arnstadt (1703-1707),
where he served as organist at the Neue Kirche. Thus,
it is an early work and while it may not be a major
achievement, it still exhibits the composer's
craftsmanship in contrapuntal writing and structure.
The piece opens with a joyous, lively theme that
centers largely on a four-note pattern that is often
mirrored in the harmonies of the left hand, giving the
Prelude plentiful contrapuntal, if not fugal properties
of its own. The music here works up a quite glorious
and triumphant sense, making the listener wonder just
what Bach might have in store for the listener in the
fugue. The fugue colorfully opens, rising from subdued
middle- and lower-range sonorities where the four-note
motif is drastically altered and then turns rhythmic
and agitated, but also exhibits a joyous manner in its
graceful drive and breathless energy. The music seems
to be building toward some grand climactic moment
throughout the entire fugue, but only revels in its
increasingly glorious rhythmic drive. The piece ends
modestly triumphant after it briefly ascends to the
highest ranges. This colorful work typically has a
duration of six or seven minutes. .
SHEET MUSIC