The Well-Tempered Clavier – Part 1


Walkthrough - Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C Minor (3)

Prelude: Bars 18 - 21

The bass line is interesting here: bringing out the marked notes by slightly overholding them gives a more musical result than accenting. The suggested articulation emphasises the change of pattern over the next two bars. Don’t overdo the accents; if you prefer, you can overhold the accented notes. The dominant pedal (that lasts right through to the Presto) is established here. The rising soprano line against the static bass over the course of the next four bars implies an increase in musical tension, and a crescendo is natural and effective. Prelude: Bars 24 -...

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