Prelude and Fugue C major, BWV 846 (from Well-Tempered Clavier Part I)

Editor: Rudolf Steglich

The first Prelude from volume I of the Well-Tempered Clavier is among the most-played pieces in the piano repertoire. Though it seems easy to play, this is misleading since the performer must build up, and maintain, the musical tension. Only in the closing measures does the tension let up and lead to the more challenging fugue.