Prelude and Fugue in B Major, BWV 892 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Prelude and Fugue in B Major, BWV 892    J.S. Bach (1685-1750)  When Johann Sebastian Bach compiled the Well-Tempered Clavier (Book I) in 1722, his purpose was clear. He wrote the compositions for “the profit and use of musical youth desirous of learning and especially for the pastime of those already skilled in this study.” Twenty years later, Bach completed the Well-Tempered Clavier (Book II), and scholars understand that his purpose in so doing remained much the same. The B Major Prelude and Fugue, BWV 892, was placed as No. 23 in Book II. Music historians agree Bach likely would have been exploring and experimenting with some “newer and better” keyboard instruments. As a result, later compositions bring more layers of emotion and excitement to the music. The Prelude features a moving lyrical character but is interrupted by vivid, colorful, melodic motifs accompanied by rhythmic pulsations, which gives the listener a few surprises. On the other hand, the Fugue is typical of a four-voices work with solemn thematic material presented in sequence. Each thematic episode brings color to raise or lower the music tension. It eventually leads to a climax involving all the voices. This fugue calls for total concentration to bring the set to a satisfying close.