J.S. Bach - Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855 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 2:36 Fugue J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 855, comes from the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier, completed in 1722 during his years in Köthen. The prelude is built on a steady, gently circling pattern that creates an intimate and contemplative atmosphere, showing Bach’s skill in shaping expressive music from simple motifs. The fugue, written for two voices, is notable for its clarity and economy, with a poised subject that Bach develops through clean, transparent counterpoint. Together, the pair demonstrates how Bach could achieve depth and elegance even in a relatively small-scale design, contributing to his larger exploration of all major and minor keys.