J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 870-893

Featuring

Marcel Worms
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Historical Context

The diversity of keys in Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier was revolutionary for its time, made possible by a 'well-tempered' tuning technique.

Composition History

Bach stated that the Well-Tempered Clavier was intended for studious musical youth and as a 'special pastime' for skilled keyboard players, not initially for public performance.

Recording & Production

This recording of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier Book II was made in June 2021 at the Zeeuwse Concertzaal in Middelburg, Netherlands, using a Steinway D piano.

Instruments

In Bach's time, a 'Clavier' referred to any keyboard instrument, and it is unknown which specific instrument Bach intended for the Well-Tempered Clavier.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier aims to translate all conceivable human emotions into sound, uniting heart and head, emotion and intellect.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach wanted to retain the individual 'affects' or emotional expressions of different keys, as each key was believed to express specific emotions in his day.

Compositional Technique

The fugue, a complex polyphonic form, always begins with a striking theme in a single voice that then appears in all other voices throughout the piece.