The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I and II, BWV 846-893
Johann Sebastian Bach
Work background
Researched classical background
The two books of The Well-Tempered Clavier each pair a prelude and fugue in every major and minor key. Bach uses the format to explore remarkably different keyboard textures, from flowing patterns to dense imitative writing. The collection served learning as well as accomplished players' enjoyment. Its title concerns flexible keyboard tuning; it does not prove that Bach prescribed modern equal temperament.
Inspiration and creative background
Bach described the collection as useful to young musicians learning and enjoyable to those already skilled.
The Well-Tempered Clavier I No. 17 in A-flat major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
The Well-Tempered Clavier II No. 1 in C major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare a prelude with its fugue, then hear how another key receives a completely different character.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo keyboard
Composition: 1722 and about 1742 (two books)
Each book gathers music written or revised at different times; these are compilation dates rather than one continuous composition interval.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Das wohltemperierte Klavier; The Forty-Eight
Date, title and version notes
Book II is commonly dated about 1742; individual movements may be earlier.
The Well-Tempered Clavier I No. 17 in A-flat major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
The Well-Tempered Clavier II No. 1 in C major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
The Well-Tempered Clavier I No. 17 in A-flat major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
The Well-Tempered Clavier II No. 1 in C major - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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