Bach Prelude no. 1 in C + Gounod = Ave Maria (Musical Analysis)

Henrik Kilhamn explains this well known piece that actually consists of two parts between the two composers. Bach uses one musical idea of the arpeggio pattern throughout the whole prelude and changes the harmony one step at a time, creating a wonderful sense of assuring and relieving.

0:10 Bach Prelude
7:35 Gounod Ave Maria
8:36 Performance of Ave Maria

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J. S. Bach: Prelude no. 1 in C major, from WTK I, BWV 846

[ganvansamkar]

Brilliant! I am 62 years old, and always get tears when I hear this. I started learning piano two years ago. Never could read notes or play instruments.
And now, I can play this. The Bach part at least. My first baby steps as a tribute to my granddaughter, who dances to this since 10 months old. Heaven on earth 🍀

[lawrencetaylor]

Merci beaucoup for this. I started playing piano last year at 65 yoa, and this is my first baroque piece. I've decided to start with the old testament and will work on Bach, and as I get my chops I'll approach Beethoven.

[adic]

I can't get enough of this piano piece by Bach. Really enjoyed your analysis.

[grahamrankin]

Beautiful ! I used to play this Bach piece years ago (I'm now 78) eventually giving my piano away to a niece, but missed playing the piano so bought a Kawai Digital Piano and started playing again using this Bach piece to get my hands working again. Your explanation of the chordal structure is so satisfying to hear and finishing with the Ave Maria was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much.

[Corwin]

The “twin pianists” performance is amazing

[kugelweg]

This is the best thing I have ever seen! This is my favorite Bach piece. I never understood how the piece was constructed until I saw this video. Thank you so much!

[maxiperez]

I watched this video by chance. I much liked the analysis of the piece. I wasn't really looking for this but as it was informative and enjoyable I just kept watching it. Nice work.

[bbpyb]

Thank you - your videos are informative and also beautiful.

[lettersquash]

"This is cool." Yes, it certainly is. I've been learning the Bach C-major Prelude for a little while, but forgot what it was called when I clicked on this, so a nice surprise to find your analysis. I didn't know about the Gounod Ave Maria, but I began to remember something of the melody before you began your lovely double-act. And I have to say the tears were welling up through that rendition. I'll have to teach my partner how to play the melody so she can accompany me. Thank you so much. Oddly, my copy has the bass note on its own for the first nine bars, with the next highest note on the treble clef, which threw me a bit at first.

[klarakolonits]

Thank you so much! It is just beautiful and exciting!

[ariannak]

Your analysis is the best one out! Thankyou and really appreciate it.

[wailengchong]

Beautifully explained. Beautifully played! Thank you so much 💕💕💕

[robertagaiba]

This is so cool !!...I agree with you ...beautiful music ....bravissimo

[zecalimazeca]

Thank you so much. Greetings from Brazil

[tia]

Great rhythm. This combination could not have been achieved without it. Creative, too.

[mjmassi]

I love your two-piano version! I just discovered your videos. They are informative, inspiring, and beautiful. I am going to listen to all of them!

[katehunt]

Most enjoyable and informative!! Thanks a lot for that.

[careljeromecornelisfredrik]

This is a great video, perfect explanation and a beautiful ending with the Ave Maria.
Thanks for sharing your work.
Greetings from Brazil.

[damof]

Excelente análisis. La secuencia de los 2 pianos, uno con el preludio de Bach y el otro con la improvisación de Gounod sumamente didáctica 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏.

[matswidlund]

Thanks Henrik for so nice, good and pedagogical piano introductions of masterpieces. This Bach prelude reminds me of the film Bagdad Cafe scene where a boy play this wonderful piece, suddenly with a listener and a miracle happens with his playing. Mats Widlund