Classical Composer: | Bach, Johann Sebastian |
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Work: | Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 894 |
Year Composed: | 1714 |
Instrumentation: | pf |
Publisher: | Breitkopf & Härtel |
Duration: | 00:11:00 |
Period: | Baroque (1600-1750) |
Work Category: | Instrumental |
Work Information
Available Recording(s)
Undoubtedly, the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 894, belongs to the category of Bach's keyboard works that were intended for his own virtuoso performances in this important period in his career. The Prelude is built on a short theme that looks forward with anticipation, and the Fugue subject unfolds in the rolling triplets of 12/16, an older compound time-signature indicating a fleet, light approach to tempo and touch (Kirnberger, 1776). Whirlwind pacing, relentless rhythmic activity, sequencing, pedal-point harmony, and cadenza-like passages give both movements a smouldering power that exhibits itself in a range all the way from raw to eloquent to grandiose. Crescendos fuelled by activity rise and fall in this work. Energy builds to such a point in both movements that the final cadences must take place rather suddenly and abruptly, a satisfying technique that carries the listener to the brink without any let-down. That both movements were inspired by concerto style is not only audible but also substantiated by Bach's later expanded versions of each for his BWV 1044, a concerto using the same performing forces as Brandenburg Concerto V.
Writer: Elizabeth Farr
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