Description
This four-voice fugue in C major opens Book I of the Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of twenty-four preludes and fugues. Its simple subject is built up methodically, presenting contrapuntal writing in its clearest, most unadorned form. Fitting 728 notes into 98 seconds, it serves as an accessible study in distinguishing independent voices for intermediate players.
Bach's collection of preludes and fugues for keyboard, covering all 24 keys and regarded as the summit of contrapuntal writing.
Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach was the towering figure of German Baroque music, serving for decades as Cantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Renowned for his mastery of counterpoint, he laid the foundations of keyboard music with works such as The Well-Tempered Clavier and the Inventions. This site includes 229 of his pieces, including numerous chorale settings and arias.
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