close

Bach, Johann Sebastian : Prelude und Fuge Nr.8 Prelude Nr.8 dis-moll

Work Overview

Music ID : 62185
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:3 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: September 14, 2023
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Bach's D-sharp minor can be described as an expression of sorrow, but it is also a key of another world, soft, and does not express strong emotions directly. Bach did something peculiar in the 8th piece of the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, writing the Prelude in E-flat minor and the Fugue in D-sharp minor. The reason for this is unknown. This Prelude, rather than expressing sorrow, gives the impression of an allemande-like dance. Therefore, it should not proceed at too fast a tempo; considering the subsequent 32nd notes, a slightly more relaxed tempo would be appropriate.

For example, when playing measures 15-16, 32nd notes appear in the right hand. At this point, the tempo should not make the 32nd notes sound rushed or busy; rather, it should be a tempo where the music flows smoothly even with the appearance of 32nd notes.

The piece modulates from D-sharp minor to F-sharp major and A-sharp minor. Harmonic sequences appear frequently, but the two keys mentioned earlier are where one truly feels a modulation has occurred. Some might consider F-sharp major to be merely temporary. However, A-sharp minor is clearly established. Which do you feel has higher tension, A-sharp minor compared to D-sharp minor? And even when harmonic sequences appear, it is good to continuously vary the timbre.

For example, in measures 25-27, descending sequences are written one per measure, resulting in three sequences. In this case, despite the descending nature, the author feels the tension continuously increases. In this way, it is good to perceive the quality of the chords in the sequence and impart the tension you feel.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou