Prelude & Fugue No. 1 in C Major

The grander scale of Book II of The Well-Tempered Clavier can clearly be seen by comparing the opening Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major with its predecessor in Book I. Bach’s first C-major prelude uses repeated, finger-pleasing patterns to elaborate a straightforward chord sequence, whereas its companion in Book II takes us on an intricate and harmonically rich journey, beginning with a dramatic flourish in the right hand over a long, held octave C in the bass. Bach based the piece on an earlier prelude, which he doubled in length and considerably developed, creating a dense four-part texture full of expressive harmonic touches and fast-moving melodic inflections (chromaticism). Bach balances this with a chirpy three-part fugue, whose memorable opening—with a short ornament (mordent) on the fifth note—makes it easy to recognise the theme as it reappears in new guises throughout. With its chattering figuration, and leaping left hand at the end, the fugue makes a playful companion to the serious prelude. About J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier Book II Bach completed work on Book II of The Well-Tempered Clavier in 1742, about 20 years after finishing Book I. “Well-Tempered” refers to “equal temperament”, a new method of tuning keyboard instruments, which made even quite obscure keys available: demonstrated by Bach in two books of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys. Compared with Book I, the sequel is written on a grander scale and encompasses an even greater variety of styles. Neither book was intended to be performed as a cycle of pieces like the Goldberg Variations. Bach used the pieces to teach his sons and pupils advanced keyboard skills, as well as provide a comprehensive selection of compositional models.