Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548

The autograph manuscript, along with that of the Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544, which is believed to have been written around the same time, share the same watermark and style of handwriting, which points to a composition period of 1727-1731. It has been suggested by Christoph Wolff that the work was composed for the organ at the University Church in Leipzig.[https://www.bachvereniging.nl/en/bwv/bwv-548/ Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548] description at Netherlands Bach Society

The prelude's massive structure is considered to be one of the most intricate in the genre. It bears a concerto-ritornello style similar to other mature organ works, such as the BWV 544 and BWV 546 preludes,Jones 2013, 59. with the homophonic opening theme reoccurring between various polyphonic, episodic sequences.

The subtitle of the work, commonly referred to as "The Wedge", refers to the first half of the fugue subject, which opens up as a sort of widening, chromatic wedge around the tonic point. The tradition of descending chromatic fourths in Bach's E minor fugue subjects include the BWV 914 harpsichord Toccata, the BWV 855 Prelude and Fugue from the Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1, as well as the "Un poco Allegro" movement from the BWV 528 Organ Sonata.Williams 2003, 121. The fugue, clocking at 231 measures, is among Bach's longest and most elaborate organ fugues. The movement is unique in that it is in a three-part structure, with the third da capo section being a note-for-note reprise of the first. The second section suddenly thrusts the piece into an over-one-hundred measure episode of rapid, toccata-like passages of great virtuosity, with the cascading passagework occasionally giving way to the subject.[https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Bach_Preludes_Fugues_Lippincott_p/g-49202.htm Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548] description at Gothic-Catalog.com

File:BWV548_Fugue_Subject.jpg

Albert Schweitzer described both movements as being "so mighty in design, and have so much harshness blended with their power, that the hearer can only grasp them after several hearings."[https://archive.org/stream/jsbachsc01schwuoft#page/277/mode/1up Schweitzer 1923, 277.] Philipp Spitta referred to the work as a "two-movement symphony", commenting on the work's "life energy" and the "extreme daring" nature of the fugue subject. Peter Williams attributed the work's "riveting power" to the "easily felt balance between the two movements."

The piece has been included in Franz Liszt's transcriptions of Bach's six "Great" organ Preludes and Fugues, BWV 543 - 548, for solo piano (S. 462).{{AllMusic|class=composition|id=mc0002385940|first=Steven|last=Coburn|label=Preludes and Fugues (6), transcription for piano (after J.S. Bach), S. 462 (LW A92)|accessdate=9 December 2015}} The piece was also transcribed by Ivan Karlovitsch Tscherlitzky[http://www.bach-cantatas.com/NVD/PT-Tscherlitzky.htm List of Bach-Tscherlitzky piano transcriptions] at [https://www.Bach-Cantatas.com Bach-Cantatas.com]

as well as by Samuil Feinberg[https://www.bach-cantatas.com/NVD/PT-Feinberg.htm Piano Transcriptions of Bach's Works & Bach-inspired Piano Works by Samuel Feinberg]

The piece has been arranged for mandolin, cello and double bass, and performed by Chris Thile, Yo Yo Ma, and Edgar Meyer respectively for their 2017 album "Bach Trios," released by Nonesuch Records.[https://www.yo-yoma.com/sounds-symphonies-archive/bach-trios/ Bach Trios] at [https://www.yo-yoma.com Yo-Yoma.com]

{{reflist}}

• Williams, Peter (1980), The Organ Music of J. S. Bach: Volume 1, Preludes, Toccatas, Fantasias, Fugues, Sonatas, Concertos and Miscellaneous PiecesCambridge University Press, {{ISBN|0-521-27078-2}}
• Williams, Peter (2003), The Organ Music of J. S. Bach (2nd ed.), Cambridge University Press, {{ISBN|0-521-89115-9}}
• Jones, Richard D.P. (2013), The Creative Development of Johann Sebastian Bach, Volume II: 1717–1750: Music to Delight the Spirit. Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|978-0-19-969628-4}}
• Schweitzer, Albert (1935). J.S. Bach, Vol. 1 London: A.C. & Black

• {{IMSLP2|work=Prelude_and_Fugue_in_E_minor%2C_BWV_548_%28Bach%2C_Johann_Sebastian%29|cname=Prelude and Fugue in E minor}}
• [http://ks.imslp.net/files/imglnks/usimg/5/54/IMSLP111236-PMLP111736-BWV548.pdf Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} autograph facsimile at International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP).
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIuWig6v7OQ Video recording] of Robert Smith's performance on the 1730 Gottfried Silbermann organ at the St.-Georgen-Kirche, Glauchau, Germany
• [http://www.blockmrecords.org/bach/detail.php?ID=BWV0548 Free download of BWV 548] recorded by James Kibbie on the 1755 Gottfried Silbermann/Zacharias Hildebrandt organ in the Katholische Hofkirche, Dresden, Germany
• [https://www.bachvereniging.nl/en/bwv/bwv-548/ Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548] description at Netherlands Bach Society

{{Instrumental music by Johann Sebastian Bach}}

{{Portalbar|Classical Music}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Preludes by Johann Sebastian Bach

Category:Fugues by Johann Sebastian Bach

Category:Compositions for organ

Category:Compositions in E minor