146: Toccata’s Twin! Double Fugue in F

Forever paired with the giant Toccata BWV 540, it’s unlikely the two were conceived together. Still, owing to certain sources and the fact that this fugue is a dignified and stately complement to the capricious toccata, the pairing works delightfully.

Now, is this the fugue, BWV 540? Or which piece is this?

And is this not the same music?

Top: Italian Concerto. Bottom: today’s fugue. Seeing such similar vocabulary is as thrilling as it is remarkably rare in Bach’s works.

Wow. That Fugue!

Here are the fugue’s two contrasting themes. The first, slow moving, noble:

The second, carefree and playful:

They combine toward the end of the piece to marvelous effect:

A complete version of the MIDI synths in the episode (Headphones are best! I found it quite relaxing.)

I said I would attach the MIDI files, but Substack won’t allow it. If you leave a comment or send me a DM, I’ll send them over. Thanks!

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