Topmusicanswers
- How many Well Tempered Clavier Books are there?
- What is the purpose of Bach's work The Well-Tempered Clavier?
- Why is it called The Well-Tempered Clavier?
- What instrument was The Well-Tempered Clavier written for?
How many Well Tempered Clavier Books are there?
The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846–893, German Das wohltemperierte Klavier, byname the Forty-eight, collection of 48 preludes and fugues by Johann Sebastian Bach, published in two books (1722 and 1742).
What is the purpose of Bach's work The Well-Tempered Clavier?
In Bach's own words The Well-Tempered Clavier was composed “for the profit and use of musical youth desirous of learning and especially for the pastime of those already skilled in this study.”
Why is it called The Well-Tempered Clavier?
Origins. As used in the 17th century, the term "well tempered" meant that the twelve notes per octave of the standard keyboard were tuned in such a way that it was possible to play music in all major or minor keys that were commonly in use, without sounding perceptibly out of tune.
What instrument was The Well-Tempered Clavier written for?
The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846–893, is two sets of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys for keyboard by Johann Sebastian Bach. In the composer's time Clavier, meaning keyboard, indicated a variety of instruments, most typically the harpsichord or clavichord but not excluding the organ.
