Bach Prelude and Fugue No.8 Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1 with Harmonic Pedal

Listen to my Bach Prelude and Fugue album on the Streaming Platforms!
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In this recording I used the 4th harmonic pedal in resonance position only. The harmonic pedal was invented by Denis de La Rochefordière.

The sheet music featured in this video is in the public domain and differs occasionally from my Tovey & Samuel edition, which I used in this recording, published by the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, which isn’t.

[gmmgmmg]

First time I heard this I could not believe it was Bach. I thought it was someone of the late 1800. I clearly know nothing of classical music, although I listen to a lot of it, and I do not have any formation, but this is definitely very modern and ahead of its time. Just incredible.

[ThuanaoThiBich]

00:00 Praeludium no 8
04:12 Fuga no 8

[roelwestrik]

The Prelude is absolutely heart-wrenching.... Congratulations on the great performance!

[jaegonekim]

stretto.. inversion.. augmentation.. perfect

[Anny___]

Literally my favourite prelude and fugue

[winterdesert]

Can't believe how Bach did it. Really just can't believe it.

[Doommaster]

Wow! Thank you for such a wonderful performance of one of my all time favorite Bach compositions Paul Barton!

[Gusakov]

Simply, another Masterpiece from Paul Barton !

[alejandromadail]

I'm really touched by your beautiful interpretation, thank you so much sir.

[crazychameleon]

You can see the influence this piece had on Jonny Greenwood’s score for phantom thread.

[zevelgamer.]

I've begun listening to this piece today and I haven't stopped since! It's so beautiful! The prelude! I wanna learn it!

[KegPatcha]

Bravo. Me encanta su interpretación de Bach. Impresionante y asombrosa. Me transportó a otro tiempo.

[tamekasbelaberg]

This is one of my favourite pieces of all time. And I don't know why.

[RichWoodwardMusic]

another deceptively difficult prelude - it's tempting to use damper pedal to 'help' the cantabile.
well done!

[therainforest]

Absolutely beautifully articulated, Paul Barton. Your touch on the keyboard is exquisite. Thank you for sharing. :)

[СергейМ-жц]

Спасибо очень давно искал разбор этого произведения, прилюдию знал, а фугу сложно по нотам выучить, спасибо большое

[ClassicalJams]

Wow, this is really beautiful Paul!! I love that this piece allows for more freedom of expression and that harmonic pedal creates such a beautiful resonance! This way the music doesn't sound so "dry" if you know what I mean :-) Your own interpretation turns the mordents into trills :-) Your playing is so tender and you play with great ease. Much more than meets the eye in this score for sure. I really loved both the Prelude and Fugue. In my youth, I was the rebellious one that loved to pedal the Baroque pieces that I loved as I could feel passion in them and tough to resist that urge. My teachers would smile and shake their heads, then of course I would play it the correct way....haha. BRAVO! ~Jackie

[hassansoliman]

Thank you so much for this, your Bach really is the best, whenever I feel like listening to Bach you're my go to pianist :)

[thereyougoagain]

This is an incredible performance. You’ve given the piece such an ethereal quality. I don’t know if it’s the harmonic pedal, or what, but it’s amazing. Well done.

[syndicatephilharmonic]

Wonderful! I have to say this is one of my favourite recordings of yours.