Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie) by J. S. Bach Sheet Music for Orchestra at Sheet Music Direct
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Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie) Digital Sheet Music
Cover Art for "Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie)" by J. S. Bach PASS

Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier II for String Orchestra (arr. James M. Guthrie)
by J. S. Bach String Orchestra - Digital Sheet Music

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Bach's inspiration for writing The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II (WTC II) around 1740 stemmed from several factors:

Educational purpose: Bach aimed to provide advanced pedagogical material for a new generation of students, including his younger children, who were aspiring composers.

Demonstration of compositional mastery: WTC II showcased Bach's unparalleled skill in exploring contrapuntal possibilities and adapting to changing musical tastes.

Continuation of a successful concept: The success of the first book, completed in 1722, likely motivated Bach to revisit the project and create a companion volume.
Evolving musical landscape: Bach sought to provide his students with more contrapuntal tools, even as this technique was losing ground to the more fashionable galant style.

Technological developments: Advancements in instrument tuning systems allowed Bach to compose in all major and minor keys, which he sought to demonstrate through this comprehensive work.

Artistic challenge: By creating preludes and fugues in all 24 keys, Bach sought to demonstrate that beautiful, characterful music could be composed in every key, thereby addressing concerns about well-tempered instruments.

The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II, completed around 1742, is a testament to Bach's commitment to musical education, innovation, and artistic excellence.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.