 |
|
|
Landowska writes in her notes to the 48:
“The first Fugue, in the key of C Major, is magnificent and triumphant. We generally hear the first F of the theme dotted, followed by thirty-seconds. But this theme in the authentic Bach version has neither dot nor thirty-seconds. “It was while examining minutely the autograph of the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier, called the Volkmann Autograph, that I observed the dot and the thirty-seconds were added afterward, in fresher ink. In all probability this retouching was made by Altnikol or Kirnberger, doubtless in an attempt to avoid some fifths or dissonances. “Besides, the rhythmic design — an eighth followed by two sixteenths — is one of the most frequent in Bach, appearing as often in the themes of the fugues of The Well-Tempered Clavier as in other pieces.”
Listen for yourself. |
The editors of the BAROQUE MUSIC have been recording, producing, researching
and writing about Bach and Baroque since the 1960s,
and we have no hesitation in recommending the 2-DVD set "BACH & friends"
as essential viewing/listening for all Bach-lovers and music students.
Our favourite portrait of Bach is the wonderful Altersbild - Portrait in Old Age.
We feel it is more accurate than the more frequently seen work of Elias Haussmann. Click to view!
Johann Sebastian BACH: Portrait in Old Age
Bach's Life Story in Pictures - contemporary colour illustrations
View an early 19th century illustration of the
NOTE:
Bach's Employment in Weimar -
clarifying the names of Bach's ducal employers
Bach's Leipzig in pictures: 1725-50 - many contemporary engravings
The Royal Visit to Leipzig, 1733 - contemporary illustrations of a very special occasion
The Trauerode - Mourning Ode for Queen Christiana
illustrated story, full cantata text, and music samples.
Royal Palace of King Frederick the Great at Potsdam
More on Gottfried Silbermann, organ builder
More on Gottfried Silbermann's fortepianos
Click to download a detailed biography of JSB available in pdf format
BAROQUE COMPOSERS & MUSICIANS
to see this composer in geographical and historical context
BAROQUE MUSIC HOME PAGE
lists all our baroque music sites.
DOWNLOAD SCORES and SHEET MUSIC
Huge selection, downloads include free midi music files.
 100+ CD titles ready to download direct to your PC. Just Bach and Baroque! |
 The Baroque Music Guide All you need for the full enjoyment of baroque music in one handy volume. Click image for more info |
