J. S. Bach: The Well - Tempered Clavier II for String Quartet

Bach's inspiration for writing The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II (WTC II) around 1740 stemmed from several factors:
1. Educational purpose: Bach aimed to provide advanced pedagogical material for a new generation of students, including his younger children who were aspiring composers.
2. Demonstration of compositional mastery: WTC II served as a showcase of Bach's unparalleled skill in exploring contrapuntal possibilities and adapting to changing musical tastes.
3. 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.
4. Evolving musical landscape: Bach wanted to offer more contrapuntal tools to his students, even as this technique was losing ground to the more fashionable galant style.
5. 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.
6. Artistic challenge: By creating preludes and fugues in all 24 keys, Bach aimed to prove that beautiful, characterful music could be composed in every key, addressing concerns about well-tempered instruments.
The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II, completed around 1742, stands as a testament to Bach's commitment to musical education, innovation, and artistic excellence.

[j-dub]

I love that you did this and I’m sure it took a ton of work. A bit more audio mixing is needed here to help with balance.