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Baroque · prelude

Prelude 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. Prelude No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855 (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 E minor
  • stormy

Also known as Das Wohltemperierte Clavier I, Praeludium X.

History

Prelude 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 broad melody above running detail

    Long upper notes and ornaments unfold above a continuous lower pattern and short inner chords. Hear the melody through the smaller motion.

  2. The song changes while its support continues

    Changing upper phrases sit above new bass cells and detached inner attacks. Listen to the melodic direction without losing those supporting changes.

  3. Presto brings a more mobile upper line

    The printed Presto introduces upper running figures while the lower pattern continues. Hear the new interaction, not the hidden numeric playback setting.

  4. Short flourishes lead to a broad E close

    The final scale and separated upper notes settle onto E as the lower strands complete the close. Hear their different routes toward the same arrival.

How to practise it

Long upper tie and ornament; short inner chords followed by rests.

  1. Keep the longer melodic line audible while practising its short decorations.
  2. Count the chord attacks and their following silence instead of sustaining them throughout the upper phrase.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The expressive opening and quicker continuation require contrasting touch, coordination and secure pacing.

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

Long upper tie and ornament; short inner chords followed by rests.

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