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.

1. What was The Well-Tempered Clavier written for?
2. What instruments were used in The Well-Tempered Clavier?
3. What is The Well-Tempered Clavier and who composed it?
4. What instrument was Bach most famous for playing?

What was The Well-Tempered Clavier written for?

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.” These manuscripts were copied and circulated widely throughout Europe but the work was not officially published until 1801.

What instruments were used in The Well-Tempered Clavier?

Further, by using the word clavier, Bach indicated that his music could be played on any keyboard instrument, including harpsichord, clavichord, and organ. (The piano, newly invented in Italy, was unknown in Bach's native Germany when the first book was published.)

What is The Well-Tempered Clavier and who composed it?

Tracks:

What instrument was Bach most famous for playing?

He played the violin and often bought musical scores while traveling abroad. While at Cöthen, Bach devoted much of his time to instrumental music, composing concertos for orchestras, dance suites and sonatas for multiple instruments. He also wrote pieces for solo instruments, including some of his finest violin works.