Oct 9, 2011
Bach, J.S.: Well-Tempered Clavier I Fugue XIX in A, BWV 864
A lot of people find this to be one of the quirkier fugues in the WTC, but it's one of my favorites. The subject's unusual and long series of ascending 4ths proves to be rich fodder and inspires any number of textural options. Beethoven allegedly loved this fugue, and according to Czerny, played the first note of the subject fortissimo staccato followed by a piano legato finish. I've followed his lead on the fortissimo staccato first note, but preferred to remain staccato with the rest of the subject, adding some shape to that lovely, galant hop at the end.