Prelude and Fugue in F-sharp major
About this arrangement
This is No. 13 in Book 1 of the Well-Tempered Clavier, compiled in 1722 in Köthen. The edition we use marks the fugue as being for three voices.
Play the prelude hands separately first, keeping the 12/16 groups even. In the fugue, learn the subject alone, then pairs of voices. Loop the busiest bars at 50% before joining the voices.
Start with short loops.
Use the section list as a practice map. Start at 50% tempo, loop one section, then return to the full piece once the hand shape feels stable.
Choose Right or Left to focus on one hand. Wait for note checks the highlighted notes as you play them on the screen or a connected MIDI keyboard.
Before you practice.
01 How hard is Bach's Prelude and Fugue in F-sharp major, BWV 858?
Advanced overall. The key has six sharps, the prelude needs an even touch, and the fugue asks you to keep three voices clear.
02 How long is BWV 858?
Our score has 65 bars in total: the prelude is 30 bars in 12/16 and the fugue is 35 bars in 4/4.
03 What should I practise first?
Start with the prelude to settle into the key and the 12/16 pulse. Then learn the fugue subject on its own before adding voices.