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Baroque · fugue

Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855 (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. Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855 (WTC I) is a fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • fugue
  • Baroque
  • Key of E minor
  • playful

Also known as Das Wohltemperierte Clavier I, Fuga X.

History

Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855 (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 chromatic figure gains a lower answer

    The upper figure repeatedly touches a central pitch while nearby notes change. Hear the lower entry join that continuing motion.

  2. Detached rises answer running descents

    Ascending separated notes alternate with descending quick lines. Listen for their contrasting articulation and direction.

  3. Sequences continue across registers

    Moving cells and separated responses pass through changing registers. Follow their related shapes rather than a fixed upper-versus-lower role.

  4. A short flourish leaves notated space

    The last upper flourish and low E attack are followed by rests. Let the released sound settle without adding a new phrase in that space.

How to practise it

Continuous upper sixteenths; lower voice waits before matching activity.

  1. Group the opening short notes by contour and keep the later rest audible.
  2. Count the silent lower spans, then enter its own contour at the ongoing pulse.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

Exposed two-line counterpoint requires precise articulation and independence because neither part can hide in a thick texture.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Johann Sebastian Bach, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
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

Continuous upper sixteenths; lower voice waits before matching activity.

Practise it in PlayPiano