Bach : Well-Tempered Clavier

Johann Sebastian Bach's Das wohltemperirte Clavier [Well-Tempered Clavier] is a collections of 48 preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys. The prelude-fugue pairs are arranged in a rising chromatic pattern : C Major, C minor, C# Major, C# minor, D Major, D minor, etc.

The Well-Tempered Clavier is made up of two books : Book I is dated 1722, and Book II is dated 1744. It is considered to be one of the most influential works in the history of Western Classical music, as it contributed to firmly establishing the modern system of tempered tuning for keyboard instruments.

Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier remains as of today one of the groundworks of piano pedagogy for intermediate and advanced students.

The sheet music :

Bach's autograph title for Book I :

The first book of the Well-Tempered Clavier bears the following autograph title :

The Well-Tempered Clavier, or Preludes and Fugues through all the tones and semi-tones, in regard to both the major third or Ur Re Mi, and the minor third or Re Mi Fa. For the benefit and use of the musical youth desiring to learn, and for the entertainment of those already skilled in this study. Devised and composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, Capellmeister to his serene highness the Prince of Anhalt-Cöthen, and Director of his Chamber Music, in the year 1722.