The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846 – 893

Johann Sebastian Bach composed two sets of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys for keyboard, compiled as Das wohitemperierte Klavier in 1722 during his appointment in Kothen. Twenty years later, Bach compiled a second book that became known as The Well-Tempered Clavier, Part Two in Leipzig. Modern editions termed them as Book 1 and Book 2. Stringed keyboard instruments at the time are typically the harpsichord or clavichord. The Well-Tempered Clavier were generally regarded as one of the most important works in the history of classical music. Today, these pieces are played on the modern piano.

The four recommended albums are:

Bach Das Wohitemperierte Kalvier I & II, Ewa Poblocka (piano). Release Dates: 1 Mar 2019 & 29 Sept 2023. Label: Frederick Chopin Institute.

Johann Sebastian Bach, Das Wohitemperierte Clavier, Andras Schiff (piano). Release Date: 10 Sept 2012. Label: ECM.

Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier, Angela Hewitt (piano). Release Date: 30 Mar 2009. Label: Hyperion.

​Johann Sebastian Bach, The Well-Tempered Consort Volumes 1 – 3, Phantasm. Release Dates: 31 Jan 2020, 26 Mar 2021, 10 Feb 2023. Label: Linn.

Reference: Schwarm, B. (2013). Arts & Culture, The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846 – 893, Work by Bach. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Well-Tempered-Clavier-BWV-846-893