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Baroque · prelude

Prelude 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. Prelude No. 15 in G major, BWV 860 (WTC I) is a prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • prelude
  • Baroque
  • Key of G major
  • joyful

Also known as Das Wohltemperierte Clavier I, Praeludium XV.

History

Prelude 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. Triplet arches above repeated low attacks

    Upper triplet arches sweep above repeated low G attacks and rests. Hear the connected upper shape against the separated foundation.

  2. The lower voice takes the running figure

    Lower triplets answer while upper eighth-note responses become more prominent. Follow the running role into its new register.

  3. Short attacks and triplets coexist

    Detached upper attacks alternate with brief triplet groups over continuing lower patterns. Hear the different lengths without blurring the releases.

  4. Both parts settle into a broad G chord

    The running exchanges finish on held G-major sonorities and fermatas. Hear the change from quick movement to the final sustained sound.

How to practise it

Arched broken outline in equal short notes; low octave alternation at slower spacing.

  1. Sing the arch first, then rehearse the peak and return with even short-note spacing.
  2. Practise those low register changes independently, then keep them quiet and stable as the upper arch moves.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Rapid flowing patterns demand endurance and coordinated changes of register without losing phrase shape.

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

Arched broken outline in equal short notes; low octave alternation at slower spacing.

Practise it in PlayPiano