How to Teach Bach Prelude in C Major

Today we’re talking about how to teach the Bach Prelude in C Major BWV 846 from the Well-Tempered Clavier. This is an iconic piece that needs no introduction.

Recommended editions:

• The Well-Tempered Clavier, Part I - Henle urtext

Syllabus listings for difficulty level:

• RCM Level 10 (complete prelude and fugue)

• Illinois AIM Level 7 (stand alone prelude)

• Jane Magrath Level 10 (complete prelude and fugue)

Topics highlighted in the video below:

• Baroque prelude compositional style

• Blocking of chords; listening to the harmony and finding the “special” chords or the “crunchiest” moments

• Listening to the individual voice movement

• Clarity in 16th notes and right hand technique

• General voice leading in a broken chord structure

• Pedal point and the bass line

• Whether or not to use the damper pedal

I decided to split this discussion into two videos - both are linked here:

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