Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 869 (WTC I)

History

Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 869 (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 chromatic inner entry gathers lower voices

   The alto introduces a chromatic line and held response before lower entries join. Hear the changing notes within the longer initial gesture.

2. 2

   The upper entry completes a fuller texture

   The delayed soprano entry joins interlocking quick sequences. Hear each strand continue through individual rests rather than expecting all four voices constantly active.

3. 3

   Held sounds contrast with changed-register motion

   Running sequences change register and altered pitches while voices alternate held notes, rests and renewed entries. Follow one strand through those shifts.

4. 4

   Low F-sharp supports the final responses

   A long low F-sharp carries the last entry responses and upper cadential motion. Hear the active layers settle into the held B-minor close.

How to practise it

Follow the chromatic alto entry independently before the later soprano arrives.

1. Sing the first eight-note contour, then practise E/D-sharp and F-sharp/E-sharp pairs separately before reconnecting.
2. Count toward the soprano entry while listening to the alto, then introduce B/A/F-sharp as a fresh line.

How hard is it

About this piece

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

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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