A Guide to the ABRSM Syllabus (2023 - 2024)

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J. S. Bach - Prelude and Fugue in B-Flat Major, BWV 866

ABRSM Grade 8 - A1

This prelude and fugue from Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier is one of the few entry level works from Bach’s timeless masterpiece, the lively fugue more approachable than many of the others because the notes lie relatively comfortably under the hands. In three voices, there are three motives (subject, countersubject and the motive that first appears in the soprano voice in bar 9). These themes then join together in different combinations (a compositional device known as triple counterpoint). The Prelude is in toccata style, made up of passages in broken chord figuration, solid chords, and scale-like passages. Depending on the performer’s good taste, the block chords may be arpeggiated and coloured with discreet touches of pedal.

Resources & links This piece is available for digital download individually from the ABRSM shop here or in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024 Grade 8 publication here. Click here to view open domain editions for this work.