Fugue No. 16 in G minor, BWV 861 (WTC I)

History

Fugue No. 16 in G minor, BWV 861 (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

• blog.henle.de

What to listen for

1. 1

   A lower contour starts before the upper answer

   The opening begins below while the upper staff rests, then a related upper response joins. Follow the lower contour into the fuller texture.

2. 2

   A deeper entry adds another moving line

   The bass enters after rests as upper quick notes overlap held strands. Hear the new low line within the continuing exchange.

3. 3

   High responses lead into descending sequences

   Higher upper entries move into downward sequences and lower answers. Hear the larger descent across the interlocking voices.

4. 4

   Renewed lower motion supports the close

   A later lower opening-related contour accompanies renewed upper movement. Hear those familiar gestures converge on the final held G-based sound.

How to practise it

Early semitone changes and a downward leap; delayed higher entry over the continuing low line.

1. Sing the small 62-to-63 change, prepare the drop to 55, then connect the lower semitone return.
2. Count through the earlier line and rehearse adding the higher entry without losing the lower sound.

How hard is it

About this piece

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

More by Johann Sebastian Bach

1. 1Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
2. 2Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
3. 3Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro