Prelude and Fugue in F Major, BWV 556 (Eight Little Preludes and Fugues, No. 4)

For a long time, I've been thinking about "redoing" these. I have played most of them for quite a long time.

I'll be using the splendid 1787 Hohlzey organ of the Abbey Church of St. Peter and Paul in Weissenau, produced by Prospectum.

I can't understand why we don't hear more of this organ, but I do recommend it. To read my 2016 sample set review, you can find it on "The Barde" (top of the page).

Scholars have long wondered just who wrote these lovely pieces. J. S. Bach is usually the "attributed" composer, but many scholars now tell us that they may be the work of Johann Tobias Krebs (1680-1762) or of his son, Johann Ludwig (1713-1780).

I will leave that question unanswered... :-)

The fourth one in F major is frolicsome, yet tender in the prelude, and more sturdy and animated in the fugue.

Registration is "bright" throughout, and nothing buy 8' stops are used in the Pedal.

This organ will require some "creativity," as the Pedal is often too loud or too soft. I find you can get some "variety" by coupling stops from the Hauptwerk to the pedal instead of drawing any of the Pedal stops.

I'm thinking of this set of eight as one, complete entity, so, I am seeking as much variety of sounds and colors as possible, keeping in mind the requirements for each piece. I'm also trying to use the instrument "historically," using nothing that is not available on the actual organ.

The excellent, clean score is attached below.

I hope you enjoy this "quick tour" of the "big" Eight Little Preludes and Fugues!