Two CDs
Catalog: DWKI

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DWKI Tracks CD 1

Prelude in C major, BWV 846/1

J S Bach

DWKI Tracks CD 2

Prelude in F sharp major, BWV 858/1

J S Bach

Susanne Kujala, Classical Accordion (Lehman tuning)

Johann Sebastian Bach's (1685–1750) The Well-Tempered Clavier consists of two volumes, each containing 24 preludes and fugues. Bach composed a pair of works in major (tertiam majorem) and minor (tertiam minorem) for each half-step of the chromatic keyboard. The album 1 is a complete recording of the first part of the Well-Tempered Clavier, which Bach completed in 1722.

In well-tempered tunings, there are tonal characteristics for each key since the twelve half- steps of an octave are not all tuned equally. However, it depends on which of the many well-tempered tunings is being referred to, and we cannot know with any certainty which tuning Bach had in mind for his Well-Tempered Clavier. Bradley Lehman interprets the ornament on the title page of the first part of the Well-Tempered Clavier (see illustration) as a tuning guide (for more information, see larips.com).

I have my accordion tuned according to Lehman's interpretation because I enjoy how the Well-Tempered Clavier blossoms in Lehman's tuning. I find the sound of this music in Lehman's tuning to be much more balanced and interesting than in equal temperament.

May this complete recording of the Well-Tempered Clavier II serve as an inspiration for students and all admirers of Bach's music, providing them with a “special pastime” and stimulating enjoyment.

Susanne Kujala