Bach's Prelude in E-flat Major, BWV 552¹: Analysis, Performance, Teaching

Abstract

An understanding of 'levels' below the surface of composition - in the Schenkerian sense - can help performers and performance student gain a better understanding of the work at hand. Almost by definition, such an insight will translate instantly into a better performance of the work. In working with performance students, however, standard Schenkerian analyses ('graphs') are not very helpful, as most students will lack the formal training needed to understand such graphs. 'Chordal reductions', sometimes considered a preparatory stage on the way to a full-blown graph, are often a much better alternative. By way of an example, a few passages of Bach's Prelude in E-flat major, BWV 552¹, are discussed after a brief outline of the form of the piece.