Prelude and Fugue in A Major, BWV 536

The Prelude and Fugue in A was likely composed during the end of Bach’s time in Weimar (1716-1717), and the opening arpeggios sparkle with radiant joy. The music is not complex, but brilliantly graceful.

Contrasting the Prelude is a stately and syncopated Fugue in 3/4 time, which at times reminds one of the keyboard music of English Renaissance masters such as Gibbons and Byrd. This music is not only beautiful, but fun with syncopated and quirky punctuations around the fugue subject. The concluding measures hearken back to the Prelude with a falling arpeggio in the pedals, resolving a sustained flurry of youthful optimism.

For this pair of pieces, I wanted an instrument that had 2' flutes with character, warm foundation stops, and a rich acoustic. The Christian Müller organ from St. Bavo Church really seemed to fit the bill.