Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: german
Song Meaning of “Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book 1, BWV 846-869: Präludium cis-Moll, BWV 849” by Johann Sebastian Bach
This piece forms part of Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental work The Well-Tempered Clavier (BWV 846-869), an iconic collection of two books of preludes and fugues in all major and minor keys. Written in the Baroque period, it is an outstanding example of Bach’s mastery of composition and the complexity of counterpoint.
The prelude in C sharp minor, BWV 849, from Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier, is a haunting yet beautiful piece. The steady opening melody on the harpsichord quickly descends into quivering arpeggiated tones that build to a crescendo before cascading down once more. The melody is then repeated again with a slight difference in its variation, causing the listener to reflect on the fragility of life. The constant shifting between major and minor chords creates a tension, yet also a mesmerising sense of peace in the melodic twists and turns.
The piece reflects on the emotionality and unpredictability of life, and the importance of maintaining strength throughout, even in the darkest of moments. For the listener, it gives a sense of comfort: an assurance that no matter how unpredictable, life can be a beautiful and meaningful journey of discovery.