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Work

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach Composer

Prelude and Fugue in A, BWV536   

Performances: 11
Tracks: 16
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Musicology:
  • Prelude and Fugue in A, BWV536
    Key: A
    Year: 1708-17
    Genre: Prelude / Fugue
    Pr. Instrument: Organ
    • 1.Prelude
    • 2.Fugue
The Prelude and Fugue in A major is not very well known, but it is still an interesting and well-written work. The relative simplicity and brevity (32 measures) of the Prelude, together with the seamless counterpoint of the Fugue, make them ideal for service music as a prelude and postlude.

The Prelude opens with an arpeggiated figure that recalls Buxtehude's Praeludium in D major, BuxWV 139. This motive forms the backbone of the piece, reappearing most noticeably at the end. In between this framework, several dance-like motives are developed, and some wonderful effects are created by the dialogues between the four voices.

The Fugue, with its eight-measure ostinato subject, the rocking motion of the countersubject and the accompanying eigth-note figurations in the other voices, has a smooth, triple-time dance feel. This effect is heightened by the numerous stretti which occur throughout the section. After the final entrance of the subject in the pedal, a syncopated figure in the soprano carries the motion forward to the final, picardy third chord.

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