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Baroque · fugue

Fugue No. 15 in G major, BWV 860 (WTC I)

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A manuscript from 1722, a printed afterlife around 1800. Fugue No. 15 in G major, BWV 860 (WTC I) is a fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • fugue
  • Baroque
  • Key of G major
  • playful

Also known as Das Wohltemperierte Clavier I, Fuga XV.

History

Fugue No. 15 in G major, BWV 860 (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. An inner answer joins the upper figure

    The rolling upper figure gains an inner related answer while the lower staff still waits. Listen for two strands within the upper texture.

  2. A low entry broadens the exchange

    The low-register entry joins ongoing upper and inner motion. Hear its familiar shape without letting it cover the earlier lines.

  3. Minor-coloured figures and flourishes

    Later E-related motion and decorated runs accompany held upper notes. Listen for the colour and register changes within the ongoing dialogue.

  4. Low G carries a layered close

    A long low G supports the ending as upper motion expands into several strands. Hear their independent movement settle above that foundation.

How to practise it

Returning short figures at rising levels; longer leap arrival after descending steps.

  1. Compare the two return figures by singing their shapes, then connect them into the rising longer-note outline.
  2. Practise the 62-to-72 approach and give the arrival its full span without slowing the preceding descent.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Energetic contrapuntal exchanges need secure subject articulation, rhythmic control and balanced independent lines.

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

Returning short figures at rising levels; longer leap arrival after descending steps.

Practise it in PlayPiano