Prelude in C Major | Piano Play-Along
Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude in C Major, BWV 846, by Johann Sebastian Bach, is the first piece in book 1 of a collection of keyboard studies published in 1722 titled The Well-Tempered Clavier. This set of preludes and fugues in all 24 Major and minor keys was designed to demonstrate the musical possibilities of the newly standardized well-tempered tuning system. Prelude in C Major opens the cycle and serves as a gentle, flowing introduction to the set.
The piece is structured in a through-composed form with a continuous harmonic progression unfolding over 35 measures of broken chords. Rather than featuring a distinct melodic theme, it creates atmosphere and motion through a steady rhythm of arpeggiated chords. The Prelude in C Major showcases Bach’s mastery of harmonic pacing and voice leading. Despite its apparent simplicity, it possesses an architectural mastery that reflects the clarity and balance of Baroque aesthetics. It remains a cornerstone of piano literature, valued for both its pedagogical usefulness and its timeless elegance.
Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21st, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. A great master of the Baroque Period, Bach’s contribution to the evolution of music is undeniable. Easily regarded as one of, if not the most influential composers in music history. This, however, was not exactly the case during his time. In fact, many of Bach’s contemporaries considered his work antiquated and old fashioned and preferred the music of Georg Philipp Telemann.
