Bach, Johann Sebastian : Fuge C-Dur BWV 952
Work Overview
Publication Year:1843
First Publisher:Peters
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:fuga
Total Playing Time:2 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Asayama, Natsuko
Last Updated: June 1, 2008
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Author : Asayama, Natsuko
Due to its unclear transmission history, this work has often been treated as a doubtful composition in recent years. However, given the numerous similarities in structure and atmosphere with The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, Fugue No. 1 in C major, BWV 870/2, and Clavier-Büchlein vor Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Fugue No. 31 in C major, BWV 953, and Fugue in C major, BWV 953, it is considered highly probable that it is a genuine work by J. S. Bach.
The piece as a whole divides into two sections from measure 5, where the three-voice subject exposition concludes. Central to this is the perfect cadence in E minor at measure 23. Up to this point, the interpolations revolve around minor keys such as D minor and A minor; after this central cadence, the music enters the realm of major keys, returning from F major to C major.
In terms of the frequent appearance of clear perfect cadences in the first half, it is closer to Fugue No. 1 in The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, BWV 870/2, than to Fugue BWV 953; however, the use of the E minor cadence as a central cadential point in the piece makes it appear almost like a sister work to Fugue BWV 953. In any case, it is a work that exemplifies one typical form of Bach's C major fugues.
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: November 20, 2023
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Although in C major, this is a very high-tension fugue. As the theme (subject) itself is descending, even if a crescendo is applied to the first four notes, the volume gradually decreases thereafter. It begins in measure 1 and descends to G in the right hand and B in the left hand, which are the first notes of measure 10. From there, an ascending sequence rapidly ascends by two octaves, leading to the most high-tension statement of the theme from the third beat of measure 11 in the first half.
From there, it modulates to D minor and A minor; however, as the descending shape is fundamental to the theme, it gradually descends again, then rapidly ascends through a one-measure ascending sequence from measures 17 to 19, entering what is likely the most high-tension theme in E minor at measure 20. Following this, it descends until measure 25, necessitating a diminuendo, and returns to C major at measure 25.
From that point onward, the hands gradually separate, reaching another peak at measure 31, and the fugue concludes with a descending sequence.
Dynamically, simply give volume to themes and notes in higher registers, and play p when both hands are in lower registers. Furthermore, when the hands gradually separate, applying a crescendo leading to forte will create a natural flow.
It is appropriate to express a very cheerful and exciting sense of joy.
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