The Art of Preluding

Each prelude in The Art of Preluding, Deconstructing and Reconstructing the Preludes in J. S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier I & II is furnished with a reductive analysis of its thoroughbass background and voice-leading patterns. Following this deconstruction phase, a simplified figured bass line is presented to aid the reader in reconstructing an original work using Bach’s harmonic framework. To facilitate comparison, all preludes are transposed either to C major (Vol. 1) or A minor (Vol. 2).

An extensive preface, which is divided between Vols. 1 and 2, provides the reader with detailed guidance and historical context. Finally, various appendices present C. P. E. Bach’s rule-of-the-octave harmonizations and modulations, which played a central role in his understanding of improvisation. This historically oriented, pedagogical, and practical work will thus be of value particularly to teachers, students, and performers interested in eighteenth-century music. Includes Volumes I & II.