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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Fuge e-moll BWV 960

Work Overview

Music ID : 2267
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:fuga
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: November 20, 2023
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Regarding this fugue, as there is no commentary, I will add that it is considered an unfinished work. It is uncertain whether it is truly unfinished or if the completed original was damaged in some way, but there are recordings where it is performed to the end, and it is unknown whether these recordings were created by Bach, by the performer, or by another composer.

Bach's E minor key has two distinct characteristics: E minor progressing slowly expresses seriousness and sorrow, whereas E minor that is likely to progress quickly is remarkably high in tension, and this fugue is no exception.

From measure 17 at the beginning, a stretto (where a theme begins before the previous one ends) already appears (this is usually used in climactic sections towards the end). Stretti continue to appear one after another like a storm thereafter.

The sixteenth notes in the piece are continuous, making it a fugue where the tension remains high from beginning to end.

This is merely a suggestion, but for performers of this piece, why not try to compose the ending of this unfinished work yourselves? Even just a few measures from where it breaks off would be fine, please do give it a try.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou
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