YourClassical

Bach Prelude and Fugue

Johann Sebastian Bach - Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544 - Balint Karosi
Johann Sebastian Bach
A portrait of Bach as a young man while in Weimar attributed to J. E. Rentsch, the Elder.
Wikimedia

Of the many musical genres that Bach cultivated during his lifetime, none has enjoyed more lasting influence than the prelude and fugue.

The fugue is a strict form that challenges both the performer and the listener.

The prelude is something quite different -- a warmup, if you will, to prepare the crowd -- and the fingers -- for what's to come.

Balint Karosi
Balint Karosi was the First Prize winner at the Sixteenth International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig.
Photo courtesy: Phillip Truckenbord Concert Artists

Where the fugue is direct, the prelude is more of a fantasy and "moody."

Listen online to one of the finest Bach interpreters, Hungarian organist Balint Karosi -- First Prize winner at the 16th International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig. He plays Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544 in a concert from Oberlin College.

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Michael Barone hosts an all-day free "concert crawl" on Saturday -- the day before Bach's birthday.

The first hour will be broadcast live on Classical MPR. Performers include organist, Raymond Johnston; harpsichordists, Paul Boehnke and Tami Morse; the Bach Society Chorus, and the Choir of St Mark's Cathedral.

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