J.S. Bach - Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B-flat major, BWV 866

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B-flat major, BWV 866 Composed in 1722 Performed by Vladimir Feltsman (b. 1952) Recorded December 1992 at the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, New York 0:00 Prelude 1:21 Fugue Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B-flat major, BWV 866, belongs to the second half of Book I of the Well-Tempered Clavier, completed around 1722 during his Köthen years. The prelude reflects Bach’s interest in clear, sectional keyboard writing, built on confident figuration that may have grown out of his teaching pieces for advanced students. The fugue continues the set’s exploration of diverse contrapuntal characters, using a buoyant subject that allows for lively interplay among voices. Like the rest of Book I, this pair was designed not only to demonstrate the possibilities of well-tempered tuning across all keys but also to serve as a comprehensive pedagogical model for keyboard players and aspiring composers.