Bach's second book of The Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC 2) was composed in the 1740s, towards the end of his life, possibly influenced by the emergence of new fortepianos.
Composer Biography
Johann Sebastian Bach taught numerous pupils, including his own sons, and created small-scale works to demonstrate compositional principles.
Historical Context
Before the 18th century, not all musical keys were usable due to inconsistencies in tuning systems, with some containing harsh, discordant intervals.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier was a significant milestone because it embraced all 24 major and minor keys, a feat made possible by the 'well-tempered' tuning system.
Cultural Impact
Despite falling out of fashion, Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier was admired by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, and Shostakovich, who paid homage to it.
Composition History
Bach's first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC 1) was completed in 1722 and contained pieces that showed patterned harmonic progression and general shape.
Compositional Technique
A prelude, by nature, allows a performer to improvise or 'warm up' in a particular key and often leads into a fugue in the same key, creating a partnership.
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