J.S. Bach - Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major, BWV 850

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major, BWV 850 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 1:28 Fugue J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major, BWV 850, is part of the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier, completed in 1722 during his years in Köthen. The prelude reflects Bach's fascination with clear tonal architecture, using energetic broken-chord figuration that showcases the advantages of well-tempered tuning. The fugue, written for three voices, is notable for its buoyant and dance-like subject, which Bach develops with concise counterpoint and rhythmic vitality. Together, they exemplify Bach's exploration of all major and minor keys and his aim of demonstrating the expressive range made possible by a flexible tuning system.