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Baroque · prelude

Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp minor, BWV 849 (WTC I)

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A manuscript from 1722, a printed afterlife around 1800. Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp minor, BWV 849 (WTC I) is a prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • prelude
  • Baroque
  • Key of C-sharp minor
  • gentle

History

Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp minor, BWV 849 (WTC I) belongs to the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier. Bach's collection fair copy is dated 1722. For many years its life was in manuscript: around 1800, publishers in Zurich, Bonn and Vienna/Leipzig brought competing editions into print. That long journey from manuscript to publication is part of this piece's wider history.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A singing entry receives a lower answer

    The upper singing figure is answered by a related tenor entry above sustained support. Hear the overlap without hiding either line.

  2. Singing gestures develop through sequences

    Changing entries and running replies continue between the parts. Follow the singing contour through the more mobile answers.

  3. Moving figures cross sustained layers

    More active upper gestures sit above changing held and ornamented lower lines. Hear the contrast between movement and sustained sound.

  4. A long low C-sharp supports the ending

    Independent decorated strands reach the closing cadence above sustained low C-sharp. Listen through that foundation as the upper lines settle.

How to practise it

Small movement into long decorated value; held accompanying layer.

  1. Preserve the long melodic value while surrounding notes move.
  2. Practise the held inner layer independently and do not add attacks at its tie continuations.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

Longer melodic gestures and expressive harmonic pacing require mature legato control and clear inner-line balance.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Johann Sebastian Bach, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
The prelude gallery
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Johann Sebastian Bach

  1. Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
  2. Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Small movement into long decorated value; held accompanying layer.

Practise it in PlayPiano