Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. This edition: audio, pdf, streaming. Baroque, Chamber, Historic, Standards, Traditional. 77 pages. Jmsgu3 #1112593. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1539789).
Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548, commonly known as "The Wedge," is a significant and remarkable piece in Bach's organ repertoire. Here are some key points about its importance:
Composition and Structure
The work was composed between 1727 and 1736 during Bach's time in Leipzig. It consists of A massive prelude with an intricate concerto-ritornello structure and an elaborate fugue, one of Bach's longest at 231 measures. The fugue is particularly notable for its three-part structure, with the third section being an exact reprise of the first.
The "Wedge" Nickname
The piece earned its nickname "The Wedge" due to its distinctive fugue subject: It features alternating notes that chromatically expand outward from a central pitch, creating a wedge-like shape. This unique subject demonstrates Bach's inventiveness in fugal composition.
Musical Significance
Several aspects make BWV 548 stand out:
Scale and Ambition: Both the prelude and fugue are large-scale, ambitious compositions that complement each other perfectly in character and proportion. Virtuosity: The fugue includes a monumental middle section with rapid, toccata-like passages that showcase great technical skill. Harmonic Complexity: The work is noted for its exquisite harmonies and powerful declamations. Structural Innovation: The fugue's three-part structure with a da capo reprise is unusual and demonstrates Bach's experimentation with form.
Reception and Legacy
Musicians and scholars highly regard BWV 548: Albert Schweitzer described it as "so mighty in design" that it requires multiple hearings to grasp fully. Philipp Spitta referred to it as a "two-movement symphony" for organ. Peter Williams attributed its "riveting power" to balancing the two movements.
The piece has been transcribed for various instruments, including piano arrangements by Franz Liszt, and continues to be performed and studied as one of Bach's most significant organ works.
In conclusion, BWV 548, "The Wedge," is important for its innovative structure, technical demands, and musical depth. It showcases Bach's mastery of organ composition and fugal writing at the height of his career.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
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Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. This edition: audio, pdf, streaming. Baroque, Chamber, Historic, Standards, Traditional. 77 pages. Jmsgu3 #1112593. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1539789).
Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548, commonly known as "The Wedge," is a significant and remarkable piece in Bach's organ repertoire. Here are some key points about its importance:
Composition and Structure
The work was composed between 1727 and 1736 during Bach's time in Leipzig. It consists of A massive prelude with an intricate concerto-ritornello structure and an elaborate fugue, one of Bach's longest at 231 measures. The fugue is particularly notable for its three-part structure, with the third section being an exact reprise of the first.
The "Wedge" Nickname
The piece earned its nickname "The Wedge" due to its distinctive fugue subject: It features alternating notes that chromatically expand outward from a central pitch, creating a wedge-like shape. This unique subject demonstrates Bach's inventiveness in fugal composition.
Musical Significance
Several aspects make BWV 548 stand out:
Scale and Ambition: Both the prelude and fugue are large-scale, ambitious compositions that complement each other perfectly in character and proportion. Virtuosity: The fugue includes a monumental middle section with rapid, toccata-like passages that showcase great technical skill. Harmonic Complexity: The work is noted for its exquisite harmonies and powerful declamations. Structural Innovation: The fugue's three-part structure with a da capo reprise is unusual and demonstrates Bach's experimentation with form.
Reception and Legacy
Musicians and scholars highly regard BWV 548: Albert Schweitzer described it as "so mighty in design" that it requires multiple hearings to grasp fully. Philipp Spitta referred to it as a "two-movement symphony" for organ. Peter Williams attributed its "riveting power" to balancing the two movements.
The piece has been transcribed for various instruments, including piano arrangements by Franz Liszt, and continues to be performed and studied as one of Bach's most significant organ works.
In conclusion, BWV 548, "The Wedge," is important for its innovative structure, technical demands, and musical depth. It showcases Bach's mastery of organ composition and fugal writing at the height of his career.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Preview: Bach: "The Wedge" BWV 548 for String Quartet
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