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The short answer
Fugue in F minor, BWV 857 is a fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- fugue
- Baroque
- melancholic
- stormy
- hand independence
- voicing
Also known as BWV 857 Fuga; Prelude and Fugue in F minor, BWV 857; The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I No. 12.
History
Three measured quarter notes introduce a line that continues alone before the texture thickens. Give those steps direction without pressing on each beat. Later quick notes need to remain connected to the longer lines around them, so the tension comes from the music rather than extra weight.
Sources
How to practise it
- Sing the opening line through its quarter notes, then retain that line's continuity when a new upper line enters.
- Practise the lower moving notes quietly while keeping a selected longer voice audible.
How hard is it
The 58-measure component sustains several voices across 878 sixteenth note/rest elements and chromatic alterations. Its initially spare quarter-note line becomes layered from measure4; long-range balance and independence demand an advanced player.
About this piece
- Licence
- cc-zero
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
- Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro
