J.S. Bach - BWV 895 - Fuga a-moll / A minor

Praeludium & Fuga a-moll / A minor BWV 895

This is the fuga only BWV 895,2

composed by J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
performed by Robert Hill, lute-harpsichord

click here for the BWV 895,1 prelude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM5Rft4Y04Q

click here for complete playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=87A9AC9D1632EB58

Category:

Education

Tags:

• j.s.bach
• bwv895
• fuga
• fugue
• luteharpsichord
• lute
• harpsichord
• baroque
• barock
• sheet
• music
• score

[DrGregory85]

I just realized this is tuned at Ab Minor, not A minor o.O

[toxiconegro]

@DrGregory85 Are you serious about it? I mean there's actually no connection between A minor (no key signature) and A-flat minor (with 7 b). Then again, I don't know to what extend it would be necessary to transliterate if you use a lute-harpsichord (and which is used here)

[95Madara95]

@DrGregory85 baroque tuning, a = 415

[DrGregory85]

@toxiconegro For some reason I hadnt seen your reply!, My belated gratitude, and must I say I wasnt implying that to transliterate was a necessity, but merely stating that I had noticed it sounded quite different! This is a very beautiful instrument!

[DrGregory85]

@Mercer1012 Thank You!! I didn't know this until now! My best relationship with baroque music came through my piano lessons. So I assume that the arrangements made my experience much different. This just adds to it's wonder!

[Mercer1012]

@DrGregory85 Its Baroque Tuning A=415 Hz. I.e. Its a half step lower than modern tuning, hence your recognizing it as Ab-minor vs A-minor. :)

[Erikk91]

@toxiconegro Maybe they use a Baroque intonation, which is a little lower than the modern one

[PreciseMr]

It is simply incomparable!!! I am really delighted to hear it as many years ago I played one by myself!

[PreciseMr]

It is simply incomparable!!! I am really delighted to hear it as many years ago I played one by myself!

[DrGregory85]

@toxiconegro yes I'm serious.. just take a keyboard and try to play along. Obviously this instrument, which is the same one Bach is said to have used, when he was composing for string instruments like the lute, is tuned so that a minor keys on the keyboard sound like A flat minor on the strings. Quite interesting since I had never heard one before.. the interpretation is also exquisite, and by far, the best one I've heard in my life.