Outline Analysis of Each of J. S. Bach's Forty-eight Fugues

Book excerpt: From the PREFACE. THE following outline analysis of each fugue is intended to provide the first stage upon which a more or less complete analysis, according to the requirements of each student, can he worked out by referring to "A Digest of the Analyses of J. S. Bach's Forty-eight Fugues." These fugues form part of the collection of Preludes and Fugues so well known as "the 48," and named Das Wohltemperirte Klavier (the Well-Tempered Clavier). The term "Well Tempered," refers to a system of tuning the clavier and other keyed instruments, which was in opposition to the then prevailing system. The musicians of that time (eighteenth century) began to feel that changes of key must be more extended, therefore they wished to have their claviers tuned on the "equal temperament system," which allowed a performer to play in any key. Bach thoroughly believed in this new system, and composed a Prelude and Fugue in every major and minor key, forming the first volume of twenty-four. This first set was completed in 1722, and a second set of twenty-four about the year 1744. Sir Hubert Parry in his most interesting book entitled " The Story of the Development of a Great Personality," says: - "The adoption of this name 'Das Wohltemperirte Clavier' (Well Tempered Clavier) by Bach, was a public and deliberate recognition of a radical change in the construction of European scales, of such pre-eminent importance, that it is no exaggeration to say, that without it modern musical art would have been absolutely impossible." The following extract from the periodical named will be interesting to many : - "Old readers of The Organist and Choirmaster will remember an article which appeared in our columns some years ago, describing a visit of the (then) three Editors (with several other professional friends) to Miss Eliza Wesley at Islington. That lady had in her possession in those days Bach's own autograph of the Second Volume (with the exception of a few pages). This MS. belonged to her father, Samuel Wesley, one of the earliest English editors of the 48; and after Miss Wesley's death, it was sent to the British Museum, where it can now be seen."