Description
One of the most famous fugues from J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Piano book I will be heard unchanged in the first four bars. After that, the first variation joins without interruption, more voices are added and the major/minor range is left with a dramatic climax. This leads to a powerful cantus firmus variation, swaying between whole-tone scales and pentatonic. In the third variation, the theme is lyrically modified and colored in the style of impressionism. The fourth variation in 3/4-time forces the theme into a swinging waltz with sloped tonal layers. In variation no. five the notes of the fugue are woven into suspense chords, atonal disruption leads to a pause before the rebellious sixth variation with boogie woogie rhythms and blues notes rounds off the contrasting collection of styles. This variation work is manageable and wonderful for playing together as well as for the effective performance in the concert hall. The left player has an easier part, while the right requires an advanced student. Virtuosos go ahead and play it solo! The opus is both a style study and a strengthening of the musical expression, which ranges here from leaden pessimism to soft fantasies to gaudy humor.