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Home > Bach, Johann Sebastian > Praeludium c-moll

Bach, Johann Sebastian : Praeludium c-moll BWV 999

Work Overview

Music ID : 4834
Composition Year:1720 
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:2 min 00 sec
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.

This piece presents many choices for performance. Originally written for the lute, it is currently performed on both piano and guitar. However, due to the characteristics of each instrument, the tempo varies. This raises the question of how one should approach it when playing on the piano.

The piece itself progresses in 1-2 measure segments, with chords dispersed into arpeggios. This is similar to the Prelude No. 1 from Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier. As a result, by converting the arpeggios back into chords and playing only those chords in succession, the progression becomes much clearer than when played in dispersed form (e.g., CEsG→CFAs→HDF etc.). The performer shapes the piece by determining dynamics, considering the character of each chord, its pitch, and its context. This much is fine, but the issue lies with the tempo.

When played on the lute, the tempo is quite slow; the guitar is somewhat faster, and the piano can be played the fastest. While it is important to utilize the characteristics of the piano when playing it on this instrument, the character of this piece varies considerably depending on the tempo.

Ultimately, it is left to the performer's discretion, but try choosing the tempo and atmosphere you envision, whether it's a sentimental slow tempo or a lively fast one.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou