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Bach Prelude 1 from Well Tempered Clavier TAB

Bach, "Prelude 1 from Well Tempered Clavier" (TAB)

Transcription and Fingering: Renato Bellucci

Solo Instrumental Works
Instrumentation: harpsichord
Original Key: C
Year: 1722


Perhaps one of Bach best known pieces which has been used as an inspiration and even as a basis for many works including some very well known compositions like the "Ave Maria" so often played at weddings the world over. The way Bach exploits the tonality of C major is a master demonstration that even the dullest key signatures in the hands of this amazing German master became sublime Masterworks. The Prelude in C from teh Well Tempered Clavier is perhaps what you could call "The Perfect Arpeggio Study"... Although the piece is relatively easy on the Piano and Harpsichord, it becomes a virtuoso type of piece when transcribed for the guitar.

Renato Bellucci Plays "Prelude 1 WTC""

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Prelude 1 from Well Tempered Clavier: J.S.Bach, Renato Bellucci. Asuncion, May 21, 2013

Johannes Sebastian Bach

Bach uses the simplest musical tools to create greatness. Hid dominion over the musical idiom allowed him to make the greatest musical phrases using an otherwise meaningless arpeggio. The main melody is embedded in the arpeggio and the technique of repetition is used to help the listener grasp the different modulations better.

It was completed at Cöthen in 1722  (Part II of the well tempered clavier preludes and fugues was completed at Leipzig around 1740)  The subject in Bach's clavier figures is clearly defined at the beginning and the Master takes us into a glorious trip. Once again, the listener feels that every note is exactly where it should be and the architecture is perfect.

Gounod's 19th century adaptation of Prelude 1 has become his most popular song: Ave Maria

Well tempered is a statement made towards the relatively new world of keyboard instruments. Whereas tempered means in tune, versus the non tempered instruments like the violin that had no fixed tuning (by means of frets or keys).

To allow for more music in one staff, I use the repetition bars at the end of each arpeggio.

Staff and Video 1

Analysis:
Play each arpeggio module twice. A little emphasis should be placed on the highest note crowning each arpeggio.

Video 1
Asunción, May 22, 2005
Revision: San Bernardino, September 13, 2014

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