Bach: Prelude & Fugue in C BWV 547 for String Quartet by Johann Sebastian Bach String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1542351

Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 547, is a significant work that showcases several essential aspects of Bach's compositional style and organ music:

Structure and Contrast

The piece consists of two contrasting movements - a prelude and a fugue. In the prelude, Bach plays with the concept of movement and motionlessness, creating an exciting dynamic. The 9/8 time signature of the prelude evokes a rocking motion reminiscent of a procession entering a church.

Compositional Technique

The fugue demonstrates Bach's mastery of counterpoint and thematic development. From a single-measure subject that is rather old-fashioned and square, Bach manages to create an expansive 72-measure fugue. This results in a highly concentrated work that showcases Bach's ability to extract maximum potential from minimal material.

Structural Innovation

The fugue is particularly noteworthy for its structure. It features five slightly varied expositions, with Bach employing imaginative ways of linking them. This approach allows for multiple hearings of the subject in various contexts, demonstrating Bach's inventiveness in fugal composition.

Use of the Organ

BWV 547 exemplifies Bach's skill in utilizing the organ's full capabilities. The piece takes advantage of the instrument's ability to create contrasts in texture and dynamics. For example, in the prelude, Bach uses long, motionless notes in the pedal towards the end, contrasting with the earlier, more active sections.

Harmonic Exploration

Bach incorporates interesting harmonic elements in this work. In the prelude, a series of chords "go off the harmonic rails," creating a moment of tension and surprise. Similarly, in the fugue, there's a short chromatic "faltering" near the end, showcasing Bach's willingness to push harmonic boundaries.

Summation of Forms

As organist Leo van Doeselaar noted, "The whole form of it is like a summary of all the musical forms he was working on."

This suggests that BWV 547 serves as a compendium of Bach's organ composition techniques, making it an important work for understanding his approach to organ music.

In conclusion, BWV 547 is important not only for its musical beauty but also for demonstrating Bach's compositional prowess, his innovative approach to structure and harmony, and his masterful use of the organ as an instrument.