Hi

Can anyone give me some advices on how can i write my programme notes on JS Bach, BWV 857?

Tks!!!

For those without an encyclopædiac knowledge of BWV numbers, 875 is Prelude and Fugue No. 12 from the Well Tempered Klavier; it's one of my favourite prelude and fugue pairs, and would recommend anyone to have a listen.

But, I digress. I'd start by reading around Bach's life to get a feel of the context in which this piece lies. Then, have a look at http://www.music.qub.ac.uk/~tomita/essay/wtc1.html for some more background information on the set.

Finally, for programme note purposes, for Bach I'd omit most biographical details as he's relatively well known; mention when the WTC was published, and when this piece was written if you can find details; finally, describe the prelude and fugue - mention character, form and so on.

I think this holds true for ANY composer - you've got precious few words in which to make an impression, and it's important not to waste these on biographical details that anyone could simply crib from an encyclopaedia. Include them only if they help you make a point in the notes - eg maybe there was a particular incident that contributed to a piece's composition, or perhaps you need to mention the composer's contemporaries.

Cecil Gray's "48 preludes of J.S. Bach" would be an ideal reference point. It is low on irrelevance, has a section on each prelude and each fugue, and has some real pearls of wisdom. Just check that it's still in print though.

Thank you for your help, I did mention what is WTC , but about the character, do I need to write in detail or just memtion what is prelude and fugue, because i know the examinaer must ask me about the form and character in viva voce part?

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http://www.larips.com/