Prelude and Fugue in C minor (BWV 549) - J.S. Bach - Organist Charles Burks - 1695 Schnitger Organ

Prelude and Fugue in C minor (BWV 549) by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). This is the fourth video in my series of Bach's Great Organ Works from A to G. Please subscribe and hit the bell button to be notified whenever a new video is released.

Prelude: 0:06
Fugue: 2:23

Performed in March, 2024 by Charles Burks on the 1695 Schnitger-Hinsz-Freytag Organ at The Dorpskerk of Noordbroek, The Netherlands. 2 Manuals, 24 stops. Sampleset recorded by Sonus Paradisi. www.sonusparadisi.cz/en/organs/netherlands/noordbroek-organ.html

This Prelude and Fugue in C minor likely originates from the earlier part of Bach's years in Arnstadt (1703-1707), where he served as the organist at the Neue Kirche. The work originally existed in D minor (BWV 549a), but was later adapted to C minor, the version heard here.

The Prelude boldly announces Bach's theme with a fanfare pedal solo. Sustained pedal notes then serve as the foundation for the development of the pedal motif in the manuals.

After a long passage of beautiful contrapuntal development, the fugue grows in drama and resolve once the pedals enter. The triumphant final C major chord brings to rest a fiery, youthful work that is complemented well by this beautifully preserved early-baroque instrument.