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I'm about to take a look at the Well Tempered Clavier. I've played plenty of 19th century music, but very little Bach (a few of the inventions and one prelude and fugue, years ago). I think it's time to dig into it a little more.

Any recommendations on which of the pieces from the Well Tempered Clavier I should start with? I have book 1, the Henle edition.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Eric:

Why don't you post this in the Pianist Corner?

Regards,

You're right, of course. I made a mistake. I'll delete it (if I can), and repost in the Pianist Corner.

The Prelude and Fugue in C minor in the first book is one which many piano students find successful as a first prelude and fugue. The Prelude in C major is a very well known and loved prelude and easy to learn.The Fugue here is more tricky than the Fugue in C minor but not difficult to play.

The easier ones.

What would you suggest for a person who has just started the
WTC ?
Of course there are lots of beauties -- the A flat ,the B-flat Major ,the d minor ,or the B-flat minor with the 5part fugue (good luck with that one )

I'm sure that there are on line resources that will list them in order of difficulty. The fugues are really difficult!

The C minor Fugue is generally thought one of the most approachable Fugue in the WTC.
One needs to have done the 3part Symphonias ,and a good idea is to worked through
the 15 Preludes and Fuegettas (Schirmer Edition ) before attempting the WTC

Some knowledge about a Fugue is important, like knowing about the "Subject and Answer "
and about the Countersubject.This is so the Fugue may be learn't properly.
Better to have a teacher !