Why Bach's Prelude is a Masterclass in Chord Progressions

[@Deus_Ex_Machina.]

My first song on piano. At age 64, during the COVID lockdown, with a mask on, I purchased a Yamaha digital piano at Walmart and with Piano for Dummies in one hand and internet in the other, I learned this piece. Obviously composed as a teaching song for children like me. Thank you for the guided tour of the progression, and making it more magic that is already is.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome. I wish you well in your musical journey!

[@nicadcock]

have you uploaded on u tube at all love to see ?

[@applegreen4118]

@@Deus_Ex_Machina. - my story is almost the same as yours- - I started piano at age 54 on day 1 of hard Covid lockdown in 2020 South Africa - bastiens book 1 main course & Bach prelude in C for desert - I’m a slow learner - now almost finished bastiens book 3 - & am now busy with Bach Ariosa for desert - piano is difficult , but I enjoy the challenge - keep going 💪🏻

[@tigerlikeswater]

Well done. I have read Bach composed the first Well Tempered Clavier as a learning book for intermediate students. And of course to highlight the harmonic capabilities of the new tuning method of the Clavier. Yes it's awesome to play the prelude - then move onto the first Fugue and it's - "Oh, this is hard"....

[@xadmi]

I started at 60. Technically very easy. Bach is a miracle in the history of music.

[@mywholesomechannel]

Not only did Bach know all the chords but he could also make them cry and sing.

[@davidferrara1105]

Not just strictly rhythm ;)

[@rfichokeofdestiny]

Exactly the comment I came looking for. Good work, soldier!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Indeed he could!

[@derekgusoff6768]

They say an old harpsichord is all he can afford.

[@kevinnolan4018]

He was like Guitar George.

[@davidhynd4435]

Bach was an absolute master of harmony. He was in complete control when it came to creating harmonic tension and then beautifully resolving that tension. His status as greatest composer might be up for debate, but not for me. I adore his music.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I adore his music too! Thanks for watching.

[@jorgegrajales7695]

The greatest composer and the greatest and most beautiful music ever written just by one hand: BACH.

[@marshwetland3808]

Me three.

[@DevonDandy]

Not for me either. There is Bach and then there is the rest of them

[@Durnyful]

The violin concertos are heavenly

[@rbettsx]

It never ceases to amaze me how the great mathematician of music finds the most profound human qualities: grief, empathy, tenderness and comfort, just from a progression of chords. Played beautifully, this seemingly simple piece can keep you on a knife edge between its logic and its passion.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Music truly has the power to capture the essence of human emotions in ways that words often can't.

[@tigerlikeswater]

Everything is light. Matter is frozen light - slowed right down. Light is a frequency - vibration - sound is it's voice - the music of the spheres. Music is the highest art form

[@bassafarside6071]

@@rbettsx Amen.

[@anneonym7346]

@@tigerlikeswater Music is the highest art form

[@gre7310]

Music expresses only musical ideas (not feelings or emotions) conveyed by a musical setting. We human beings listen to these dynamic forces and give them extra-musical meaning. Grief, empathy, tenderness and comfort are not present in the music itself; it is you that put this meaning on it. The same music can sound as joy, apathy, toughness and discontentment by someone else in a different culture or part of the world.

[@MarkusBoettner]

One of my proudest moments as a musician involved THAT piece. I share my hometown Eisenach with Johann Sebastian Bach. I went to the Bach museum with a friend in 2001. there is a session once every hour when a studied staff member talks about Bach's life and plays contemporary instruments. I am blind and asked the gentleman how the key action of a spinet compares to modern pianos and keyboards. He actually invited me to play, and I played the prelude in C. He said to my friend: „He has done this before, hasn't he?" And then he said to me: „You're just playing a 240-year-old Silbermann spinet." I was, like, WOW, I'm not gonna wash my hands for a while. ;) Just to keep the feel. It was amazing!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing.

[@japanesemaplepruning]

What a beautiful and eloquent analysis

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you!

[@jean-xf9mv]

Finally someone who analyse harmony properly :)

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you, I try to do my best.

[@andrejz8954]

how can you do it not properly?

[@jean-xf9mv]

@@andrejz8954 many ways... some guys analyse chords and dont understand their function... mostly classical guys. they are so used to play what is writen without questionning anything... vs jazz guys who needs to understand systems...

[@moo639]

@@jean-xf9mv I find the opposite. "Classical guys" have studied theory and know what they are talking about. "Pop guys" make up their own theory--like calling the circle of fifths "the circle of fourths" because they think the way they play it trumps several hundred years of well-established theory.

[@jean-xf9mv]

@@moo639 well we havent met the same hhh :) i find jazz guys good with theory and systems, because we improvise so we need ways to explore around, and to do that in a controlled way, not random stuffs , i wasnt talking about pop guys who have different strength/weakness... my gf is classical piano teacher, i am pro jazz drummer , and i teach her harmony .... the way they learn about harmony is different from jazz musicians: classical guys can play even if they do not understand what they do as long as they read. jazz guys can not, they need to understand exactly the function of each chord, how to play in/out of it , how to substitute etc and to do that on the spot...

[@nicolasforfant484]

Warm thanks from a guitarist who wanted to play this particular piece one day. The description in terms of slash cords is exactly what I needed!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're quite welcome. I'm glad the video was helpful. Check out this video of the great guitarist Christopher Parkening playing this piece: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXuonmuGad95j6s

[@akeithing1841]

Likewise! I use them but have never known what people meant when they used that term ha! This was actually quite clarifying. Hearing/Seeing it on piano and not guitar hit me!

[@andrejz8954]

I've learned it from a video here on YT that is tabbed, it's easy except for 2 diminished chords and BIG stretch D chord (I think it is)that I think I'll never be able to play fluidly..

[@TheHesseJames]

@@andrejz8954 There are always alternatives, no need to stick slavishly to tabs, just play another version of this chord which is more accessible to you and would transport the progression into the same direction.

[@andrejz8954]

@@TheHesseJames great tip, thx

[@cgilbert11]

I'm glad to find this channel. Explanation of the C Prelude is satisfying -- I first became serious about piano when I discovered this piece 62 years ago. It never gets old. It feels like the invitation of a wizard to step into his world, and I gladly yield.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this Prelude. It's amazing how music can resonate with us for decades.

[@roro_fosho]

I'm so glad I found your channel, and I equally appreciate your succinct & kindly delivered Bach analysis/walkthrough! A delivered in the most effective way for me and i'm sure many others. JSB is such a legend!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad that you find the Bach analysis helpful.

[@danielo174]

I love when a good teacher helps me understand classical with the help of chord symbols and roman numeral analysis and a great explanation. This is one of the most clear and useful lessons I've seen on Bachs work. Really inspired now. Instant Subscriber. Thanks

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for subscribing! I'm glad you found the video inspiring.

[@TheHesseJames]

Not only on Bachs work. Whenever I am writing (sometimes more noodling by moving just one finger from Chord to chord) I sometimes strike gold, at least to my ears, without knowing what I actually did there. This lesson gave me a basic framework for interesting chord progressions and movements. Stabilizing the bass for some chords is like deeper exploring the same area on the map, then moving the bass step by step to get to a different are of the map, exploring this area, and so on. Endless possibilities ahead.

[@ivansenisse800]

Not only are you a great musician but I'd say also a top-notch educator -the music teacher we wish we'd had in our classrooms when we were kids. Inspiring, knowledgeable, passionate about his subject, and who shares this love with his students. Thanks for this wonderful lesson. Can't wait to watch more videos in your channel.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words and support! I'm glad you found the lesson inspiring.

[@tombuur]

Just did this harmonic analysis myself. Yet it was a pleasure to watch your walk-through. As if I had done my homework and now watched a beloved teacher explaining it all to the class.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I found your comment strangely moving. I’ve never been described as a beloved teacher before. Thank you for watching.

[@kathleencook3060]

I just learnt to read the music and play it. The music is so hypnotic that it gets under your skin and it was an enjoyable journey. Maybe this is why Schubert's Ave Maria was written over it. Listen to the music and you will only hear a beautiful combination of Bach and Schubert

[@qwertyFUBAR]

I love your "C over B" and "F over E" nomenclature. It brings an intuitive simplicity into it and puts into words what Bach was doing.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I was analyzing this piece as I would a popular song.

[@johannalvarsson9299]

On the one hand I agree, on the other it just misses the voiceleading aspect which is maybe more important for this music than what exact chords are played. If you don`t believe me, feel free to revoice this work and watch the same chord-progression become boring at best or trash-tier. But don`t get me wrong, the "C over B" approach is really good, because it is close to the way the early 18th. century sees their music, aka basso continuo. "C over B" is B 2 4 6, Harmony is always understood from the bass, inversions will come up a few years later. So this is understandable for people without specific knowledge while still being relatively historically accurate. Great choice!

[@keithramsell9955]

I teach my students "Sh-t! I played a wrong note! Better put it right next bar.

[@tropicvibe]

Bach's music definitely opens doors to certain styles of music and I've seen keyboardists playing his pieces more than any other master of the genre. Oscar Peterson himself was a fan of his music and recommended Bach's Art of the Fugue to all serious pianists.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Bach has certainly inspired musicians from just about every genre of music. Oscar Peterson was certainly influenced by Bach! One of my favorite videos is the Oscar Peterson Trio playing "Salute to Bach." kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIGzgn-wrKiiqas

[@NateHendrix]

This is a great video. Interesting harmonies!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you very much!

[@ach2lieber]

Bach's chords are like little jewels, so beautiful they almost hurt.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Yes they are!

[@vKarl71]

Well done!! One of Bach's most compelling compositions. Short but full of wonderful harmonic movement. And VERY beautiful. I remember where I was when I first heard it. Unforgettable.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm truly grateful for your appreciation of Bach's work and for sharing your memorable experience with it.

[@TheLochs]

Nice analysis. I come from a rock/jazz theory background but love to see what the classical guys did. The originals so to speak. Bach wasn't messing around! he really was showing his sonic sense. Just imagine listing to this back then, before radio and music be so ubiquitous.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Those classical guys sure knew their stuff!

[@andrastakacs633]

Sokat gondolkodtam egyes hangzatokon, hogy annak mi a neve. A vőm se tudta. Most végre világossá vált. Nagyon hálás vagyok érte, köszönöm.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Köszönöm, hogy megnézted a videót. Örülök, hogy ez segített neked.

[@uumlau]

This "child's practice piece" is so incredibly advanced in spite of (and because of) its simplicity. No one else writes music this way, and it's amazing to think this is over 300 years old. I think Chopin perhaps got the closest, with his E minor Prelude - simple and easy but WOW amazing harmonies.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Those amazing harmonies are the reason you never get tired of listening to this piece!

[@bjornlangoren3002]

Love this tune. I bought an electric piano many years ago just because I wanted to play it. I bought an acoustic guitar just because I wanted to play Blackbird.

[@Superhaj1973]

Blackbird of course being McCartney’s rewriting of a part from Bach’s suite in E minor 😊

[@paulsawtell3991]

Bye Bye?

[@landymenzies8202]

THIS was a masterclass, thank you!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@tomhenninger4153]

Thank you! Excellent demonstration. Love it!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@martifingers]

The best analysis of this prelude. Bach's genius is enhanced not diminished by understanding something of the nuts and bolts of the piece.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I really only "scratched the surface" when it comes to analyzing this piece!

[@jondhuse1549]

When I decided to study theory and composition in college, some musician friends told me it would ruin my appreciation for music. But they were wrong, at least for me. Understanding how harmonies work, harmonies that my ears already appreciated, opened the door and gave me a breathtaking appreciation for the genius of some composers, not the least of which is Bach.

[@YUZ123]

What a great channel and you're a lovely teacher❤

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@ggeorge4144]

The music of the greatest composers will never die. Long after people have forgotten the names of the latest rock star, or pop music star, or the Beatles or Elvis, the music of Bach, and all of the great composers from that great period in history will still be taught in universities the world over.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'll always remember an exam question I had to answer back when I was in college: It was simply, "Write a short biography of Bach."

[@martifingers]

I am not sure about this. The Beatles (for better or worse) have attained a level of academic attention as well as popular acclaim , saturation in the culture etc. that probably mean their position in the canon of western music is assured. Like folk music they probably will endure.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

@@martifingers I think you are right about the Beatles. The great Leonard Bernstein was a fan!

[@Pulse2AM]

I just found this piece in my "easy" piano book I'll be referencing your video a lot thank you!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy to know that my video will be a helpful reference for you.

[@anasalwash]

back in school, we used to sing Ave Maria on this music. Beautiful analysis btw, thank you.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome!

[@DouglasMcLaughlin-kq7hk]

@@anasalwash I concur. That graceful progression teaches sonic fluidity, unmatched anywhere.

[@kaloarepo288]

The arrangement was by Charles Gounod - one of the most noted 19th century French opera composers.

[@daved3494]

That was excellent. Thank you so much for a wonderful description of one of the simplest but most beautiful pieces. This is one of my favourites.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're very welcome!

[@АленаТверскова]

Beautiful prelude and analisys is comprehensive

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for watching!

[@marshwetland3808]

Bach has always been my favourite, and there's no point in arguing that he is the apotheosis of something that cannot be transcended and has inspired legions of musicians to the present day and will continue to do so in the future. Loved how you presented Bach's illusively "simple" introductory prelude that hits all the basic jazz chords, all the 7ths you pointed out. I will rewatch and get the theory right into my fingers. I want to see in the sheet music what's notated above, obviating the necessity for same. Thanks!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@davidmiller4078]

Lovely analysis mate cheers

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you!

[@cwspringer]

You just showed me how to better figure this song out and I appreciate it. I, as a singer/guitarist/songwriter, am teaching myself piano and just what little I've learned, and recently composed in new material, has really broadened my horizons as a musician. I so wish I'd taken piano as a youth. Thank you for this video.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad to hear that you are learning piano. It will definitely have a positive effect on your songwriting. Even though you didn't take piano lessons as a youth, it's not too late to learn! I wish you well in your musical journey.

[@cwspringer]

@@athomewithmusic8698 Absolute! I'll be 58 in Nov. and it's never too late to pick something new up. I retired as a police officer in 2020 and just earned my black-belt in TKD this past May.......never too late to accomplish new things. Be good and stay safe, sir.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

@@cwspringer Thank you!

[@WansbeckBikecam]

The bass line sounds like a melody to me.. Great video. Thank you 😊

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thanks for watching!

[@erwinsugianto3611]

Heheh so awesome, Bach made it

[@danielguy3581]

It is. Note how it slowly but steadily descends. Register of bass gives it a functional power that is sometimes overlooked. If you liked this aspect of the piece, give the D Minor prelude from this book (I) a listen.

[@danielebazzani]

Thank you for the beautiful video. This is one of the greatest compositions ever, to me. I feel it as the melody is the arpeggio going on, this is why, to me, he made those note choices, to keep up with the melody as the song goes on. So beautiful, Glenn Gould made me love this.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words. Those arpeggios can certainly start to feel like a melody.

[@danielebazzani]

@@athomewithmusic8698 they definitely are, to my ears. ☺️

[@srothbardt]

Clara and Rbt Schumann studied these 48 Preludes and Fugues and he took the Eflat Prelude in first book as basis of his Piano Quintet in Eflat.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Bach's music certainly has a wide influence! Thanks for watching.

[@SirDangalot]

I have never gotten so much out of a music analysis video as I did from this one. I've always loved classical music, but I have a newfound appreciation for Bach. This prelude is genius and you showed me why!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to know that my analysis helped deepen your appreciation for such a brilliant composer.

[@davidboucher6450]

The reason why Bach's chords progressions are so rich and complex is because he was thinking in a contrapuntal way. Bach was hearing each notes as an independent melody. When you think in term of chord, you're not as meticulous and you focus on the destination instead of how to get there.

[@danielabilez3619]

Each note, a single note, is a melody?

[@davidboucher6450]

@@danielabilez3619 Each note of every chord has his its own direction. You could stack up each arpeggio into chords and see it as a choral with bass, tenor, alto, soprano etc, for instance. In this particular case, it's a 5 part harmony. You would need 5 instruments or singers to faithfully play each melody independently.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Very insightful comment. There is more than one way to analyze a piece of music.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

That would be an interesting musical exercise, turning a prelude like this into a chorale.

[@shalamusic]

someone must have done this as a chorale

[@larswillsen]

Thank you sir, that was fun 🙂

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@keithlightningrogers1053]

This is why Bach makes a great bass player.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Never thought of Bach as a bass player!

[@doublebassage]

@@athomewithmusic8698 he is the absolute pinnacle of bass line creators. There is no one finer. Everyone else is an imitator.

[@paulsawtell3991]

Jacuqes Louisser had to do very little to make Bach swing in a lovely jazz style.

[@wyzonzebedee5556]

This analysis is absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much for this. You have added a whole different dimension to my understanding and playing of this piece.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@estebanrojasr]

It'd be nice to have this harmony analyzed with functions (tonic, dominant, etc). Even with Roman numerals. It's even more interesting to see the connections in between the chords, the pivot chords, the modulations, and more.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

It certainly shows what a master composer Bach was.

[@johnsmall9729]

Thank you for this - whilst I am not a musician I have for many years loved listening to Bach's work, and one aspect that makes me smile is I can never predict how the melody will develop. Interesting to see your technical elucidation.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@kennethbrein2037]

I play guitar and now I want to play this piece as part of my classical repertoire.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I've heard this piece played on guitar (Christopher Parkening has a marvelous version on KZbin) and it certainly sounds beautiful!

[@mr88cet]

Nice summary video! Thanks. However, 6:00 - G dim is spelled G Bb Db. This chord here includes an E. So, while it’s true that Db and C# are enharmonic equivalents (in 12-tone tunings anyway!), _which_ enharmonic equivalent is chosen by the _movement_ of that voice: Sharps go up and flats go down. And as expected, at time 6:21, the C# resolves upward to D. Also the Bb on the bass staff resolves downward to A, as expected for this style of composition. Anyway, I think what you have in Bar 12 is a C# fully-diminished 7th chord: C# E G Bb, rather than G diminished, which again would be G Bb Db. Similarly for Bar 14: B D F Ab, and Bar 22. Nevertheless, well-done video!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for the detailed feedback! I appreciate your insights.

[@mr88cet]

@@athomewithmusic8698, you bet! Sorry if I sounded nitpicky. All-in-all a well-done video!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

@@mr88cet Thank you!

[@martynhaggerty2294]

Chopins prelude in e minor does the same thing... keeps teasing us before finally landing home. He played Bach's preludes almost every day.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Chopin once said that his preludes were but mere scribbles when compared to Bach’s.

[@MikeS29]

That is absolutely beautiful, and your teaching is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You are so welcome!

[@rebanelson607]

Your love of music is clearly evident in all your tutorials but esp. so in this one. What a delightful intro to a brilliant work! I've never attempted classical music but I'm looking forward to sitting at the keyboard and reveling in these chords. BTW, are you familiar with the Netherlands Bach Society's "All of Bach" videos? They are some of the best video performances ever recorded.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for introducing me to the Netherlands Bach Society's "All of Bach" videos. What a treasure trove! I will certainly be visiting this channel often. I played a lot of Bach during my years of classical training, and there's nothing like playing Bach to help keep your fingers in shape!

[@MrMmcdaid9]

@@athomewithmusic8698 - Yes, "keeping those fingers in shape". For me it was playing Charlie Parker lines [saxophone, linear] on guitar. And as such, I subsequently concur with @danielo 174's post on the usefulness of "chord symbols and roman numeral analysis" in your great explanation. Thanks.

[@atlantargh]

50 years with this piece, but nice to see this insightful analysis.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the analysis insightful.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Bach vs. Pop: going on a journey vs. running around the house in circles.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You've got that right!

[@miguel7rg]

wonderfull analitic work. thankyou !!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome!

[@goshu7009]

When i was a boy, there was a Festival called ,,Our Children Plays Bach". There were people who knew BY HARD all Preludes and Fuges and were able to play them...... It was good times for Classical Music in Bulgaria, when i was a Child. Today - all this institutions are neglected.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

It's a shame when the arts are neglected. Learning to appreciate and play music makes life so much richer.

[@traditionalfood367]

Indeed, solo piano (keyboard) is to be played by heart. The score is there when the pianist is accompanying another soloist, whether string or woodwind.

[@goshu7009]

@@traditionalfood367 By hard (meaning you know all of them without the notes) not by heart - with feeling and emotion. I think you missunderstood me.

[@traditionalfood367]

@goshu7009 In the English language, to know something by heart MEANS to know it without the score for music, without notes for written language or mathematics / science.

[@goshu7009]

@@traditionalfood367 No, i am not native english speaker. But what you describe is suppose to be that way with or without notes..... by default it should come from the Heart.... Otherwise - better dont do it. Isnt it?

[@bunyip42]

Sat down to play this afternoon this prelude was the first thing I played - I always come back to it. This prelude is not technically difficult at all, just simply beautiful. I love this video and how it breaks down what Bach did...

[@athomewithmusic8698]

It's amazing how music can evoke such strong emotions and memories. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@TemporaryTemporary-y2j]

All the twelve notes of the chromatic scale are used in this song at some point.

[@JohnVelazquez-jo3pd]

....I didn't realise that lol... And I've played this song a million times. I actually went to my keyboard and played the song and stopped every time one of the five black keys was played and made a note of which one it was, and by the end of the song, all five had been played at least once. The C Major scale has no accidentals so having the all of the black keys played in a single song in this song in the key of C was something I didn't realise before. There are some more complex pieces that have two or three accidentals at most.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Bach certainly knew what to do with all those notes!

[@edelahaye]

It was the point of the wohltemperierte Klavier

[@ryrify]

Just received the most clear explanation of music theory I’ve ever experienced. Loved this video so so much, thank you!! 😊

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@lshwadchuck5643]

As a young piano student, did you have a personal, supplementary way of getting all the triads under your fingers so you could keep your eyes on the score? Some method aside from scales that embedded all the harmonic tonality of the circle of fifths as a language you're fluent in? So many people jump though all the hoops through Grade 8, then quit and a few years later they have nothing. The industry of piano teaching seems to thrive on turnover.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

My training as a young pianist was in the classical tradition. I was taught to read notes and produce exactly what was indicated by the score. I got impatient with this and wanted to create my own music and improvise. Along the way, I developed some exercises to help me learn all the chords, and play them without having my eyes glued to the keyboard. My desire is to help those who want to play piano develop a life-long love of learning. They can even learn and master new musical concepts without having a teacher.

[@FirstnameLastname-rc8yd]

Repetition, repetition, repetition. Like typing on a keyboard. Do it how they classically do it or find your own way. Pathways need to be built and eventually you just start looking at the screen or in this case, the music.

[@eyeliketowatch101]

Thanks for taking a look. For you jazzers out there . . . this is full of II-V-I progressions (measures 2-4, 5-7, 9-11, 17-19, and the end for that matter ). M. 8 seems like a 2-1 suspension into Am7. Same thing happens 16 - 17. But it's true - you can only tell that retroactively. Dim7 chords are odd: since they're all minor thirds, any note could be the root. You can only determine the root by how the composer spelled the chord. M12 if you look at the spelling - it's actually C# dim (not G), i.e. vii chord leading to Dmin. Same with next 2 measures: Bdim (not F) - leading to C. M28 F# dim resoving up to G (but with C chord). They way you named them is probably easier to play though, if one was doing a lead sheet or something. Sorry if I got carried away. Thanks for the tour of the prelude.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your insightful comment. You are certainly right about how to spell those Dim7 chords. I actually did name them in a way that would make them easier to play, if you were reading them from a lead sheet.

[@walterbierkens]

The way I learned this: in M 12 it is rather the chord of A9, without the root, resolving to Dm, a fifth lower. Also next two measures: G9 without root, resolving to C, a fifth lower.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

There's Bach -- and there's everybody else.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You’re not alone in that belief!

[@Mickferndalespeedy]

Love this piece it's the first one I tried learning. Kept me sane during lockdown!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Great music certainly has therapeutic powers! I actually started this channel during the pandemic lockdown.

[@marktapley7571]

Do not submit to tyrants. No one has the right to declare a lockdown, social distancing, isolation, business closure or any infringement on your natural rights. Reclaim your liberties.

[@paulbennett274]

Apparently JS Bach initially wrote this Prelude as an instructional piece for his son, Wilhelm Friedmann, who was then 11 in about 1721! JS Bach then expanded the concept by composing additional works in all of the other keys to form his collection of works 'The Well Tempered Clavier' incorporating both a Prelude and a Fugue in each key. The Fugues in particular are an order of magnitude greater in difficulty requiring, as the Fugue form requires, the simultaneous voicing of different, concurrent melodies. Thank you for such a clear and concise explanation of what initially appears to be such a simple piece and helps explain its timeless appeal some 300-years later!!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I appreciate your detailed explanation and enthusiasm for Bach's music. It's amazing how his compositions have stood the test of time.

[@spyderlogan4992]

Just happened on to your youtube channel and very glad I did. As a hobby guitar player, it was very refreshing to hear a 'real' mature, adult chord progression. It also helps with my ear training as I slowly hear and understand where this progression begins and ends, using those 'tension' chords. Very satisfying. Thanks~!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm so glad you found the channel! It’s great to hear that the chord progressions are helping with your ear training.

[@paulndorosh]

Pedal points are so named coming from organ music where the 'pedal' tone was played by the foot pedals of the organ.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Indeed they are. I wish I had thought to include that fact!

[@WilliamBoike]

Thank you sir, A wonderful presentation. I grew up around music. No, not generated from myself. My father was the musician. He played for silent films as a young man and grew to love and play Bach. He wrote and arranged music and mastered several instruments such as Hammond organ, pipe organ, accordion, clarinet, and piano. Sadly he died at the young age of 53 when I was about eighteen. I never developed into a player myself, however I believe I am very musical and have what I feel is very good pitch. The more I grew the more I appreciated music and what is does for our mind and heart. And sadly by then my father had passed. He loved Bach's Fugue and Tacota in D minor.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I appreciate you taking the time to share your personal connection to music. Your father's passion for music clearly lives on through you.

[@JoePalau]

I have listened to this prelude with deep affection since 1960, when I was a teenager singing Bach in my high school’s choir. This harmonic analysis makes great sense to me without diminishing my love and joy of hearing it played. The beauty of its sound augmented by knowledge of it harmonic structure is heavenly. Thank ❤ You

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with this prelude.

[@alexkrupin4708]

Thank you very much Sir! Finally found someone who also noticed that in Bach... no melody - just a harmony trip. Playing his pieces is absolutely mesmerizing - way more than listening.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

It's amazing how Bach's compositions can resonate with different people in unique ways. Thanks for watching.

[@atlassilverbraid]

Thank you. Lovely video which has given me something to practice and discuss with my piano teacher too.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad the video was helpful for you.

[@kuddeldaddeldu2201]

Thank you very much for your explanation! I don't know much about music and music theory, and I'm not able to play any instrument, but I love music. You've been talking about Bach taking us on a journey, and yes, that's a perfect description of what he did. Many years ago, when I first listened to another famous piece from Bach, I had exactly this word in my mind, but the journey was much, much longer: The Goldberg variations. Since then, I'd listened to it again and again, and every time, when this masterpiece comes to it's end, it feels like coming home again.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Ah, the Goldberg Variations! I congratulate you on your taste in music. The music of Bach was, and continues to be a major part of my ongoing music education. I may have made my living as a professional musician, but you never stop learning!

[@edgarsnake2857]

That was very informative and enjoyable. as a pop and rock musician who enjoys the classics, I've learned a simple piece from some of the giants-Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy. The chord progressions of even their simplest pieces are just beautiful.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

A lot of pop and rock musicians certainly borrowed from classical composers!

[@edelahaye]

One of my favorite Bach tune. As a self taught musician, I have deciphered it at the age of 14 and I have discovered a lot of things about harmony.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thanks for watching.

[@sandia2beaumont]

Excellent down-to-earth analysis. I've always considered this Prelude to be an absolute teaching masterpiece. Bach cleverly hides all kinds of clues and messages inside it. One can easily imagine him encouraging his students to improvise on these chords, but also to develop the crucial 3-way connection between ear, musical memory and structure (chord structure in the case of this Prelude). I bet JSB was a sly old fox when it came to getting his students to use as many of their brain functions as possible.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

He still inspires countless musicians to use more of their brain functions!

[@theskintones]

That was a beautiful video presentation, thank you so much. I just found this on KZbin and had to subscribe to your channel. I am a guitarist, so only play piano a little for fun, but I love music theory and your presentation of the chords in this was so insightful. Thanks again.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it insightful! Thank you for subscribing to the channel.

[@sheilakamlesh]

Thank you so much for a wonderfully clear analysis of an amazing piece of music.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad you found the analysis helpful. Thanks for watching,

[@normgustafson4525]

Superb lesson! Thanks, Maestro!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thanks for watching, and thank you for your kind words.

[@Coolhandrup]

This is a wonderful breakdown - thank you! Very useful in viewing an ancient genius through modern eyes and ears. You have a great way of explaining his motivation. Marvellous!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words. You definitely understood what I was trying to do, examining the genius of Bach through modern eyes.

[@georgereynolds8797]

A very nice presentation but I think its a little short on WHY these progressions work. There are two points right out of the gate that I would add. The first is "progressions guided by the circle of 5ths" and the second is "diminished chord movement/progressions". If you go to most jazz lessons on KZbin that talk about chord progressions you wont go very far before finding someone talking about the 2-5-1 progression and one of the most common progressions in jazz. If you look at the circle of 4ths starting at C, the last 3 chords in order are D - G - C or numerically 2 -5 -1. Now look at the first 4 measures of the Prelude. The progression is the diatonic 2 -5 - 1 or Dm - G7 - C. Well apparently Bach anticipated all of Jazz. Actually I think its the other way around. Jazz musicians grew up hearing classical music like everyone else it was just part of their DNA.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Your detailed analysis is truly appreciated. I hope others will read your comment and see that there is much more to this piece than what I was able to provide in one short video,

[@VictoriaB834]

Wow, this is the best tutorial ever- thank you so much- this way to analyse helps really a lot!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Your kind words mean a lot to me. I'm happy to hear that the tutorial was beneficial for you.

[@MyllekeBas]

Bach was THE master of his time! I call him the heavy-metal composer of his age, and this is a very beautiful ballad! And tocata et fugue in d minor really is some heavy metal 🤟🏻 That's why you can play Bach on electric fuitar with ease and it sounds great! Thank you sir!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I've heard Bach played on electric guitar. Amazing!

[@lindamcdermott2205]

Great content about true chord progressions. One of my favorites especially w melody line added by Charles Gonoud creating the famous Ave Maria. A lovely version using the extra melody line by Charles Fox. Bravo maestro...this is being forwarded to my students.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for watching the video and sharing it with your students!

[@studiodsr]

As someone whose main instrument is guitar, I never realized how guitar friendly this piece is. All of the chords are very familiar to guitarists. Going to go practice the piece now!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

That's awesome to hear. Enjoy practicing the piece!

[@studiodsr]

@BillDo-gd5meyes of course any piece is guitar friendly if you’re good enough. What I meant was I was surprised at how many familiar open chords Bach used for this piece (for guitars in standard tuning).

[@janeycole3327]

One of my favourite pieces of music by my favourite composer superbly opened up. Thank you indeed. John Warner, Australia

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@nickvledder]

You proofed Bach was into Jazz too! What a versatile musician he was.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Bach was ahead of his time, mixing classical with jazz before it was cool!

[@huntersmillie00]

There is a video of someone improvising on this Prelude.

[@kevinnolan4018]

What a wonderful breakdown / walkthrough of that masterpiece.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@VietFiddle]

Thank you for your teaching and inspiration.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You are so welcome!

[@rahmanpattiiha]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge about it. I remember first time hearing this piece, i was amazed how the harmony move, unpredictable.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

This was one of the first pieces by Bach that I learned as a young piano student.

[@rodneyontube]

Lovely presentation! Cheers!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tonymurphy9795]

Fascinating. Thank you!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad you found it fascinating! Thank you for watching!

[@spatz813]

This was the first piece I learned (at 38) and it made me feel like I was a pro. Silly me. However, it was great to have it as a piece to reference when I was learning the fundamentals of piano at the very beginning. Your video just added even more value to learning this great piece. Thanks!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@1771332]

Thank you. Great teaching in easy to understand fashion.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I’m glad to hear you found the teaching helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@maitajack]

I played that so many times as a accompagniement for Ave Maria on the violin. Nice. Many thanks for the analysis.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome!

[@alexismandelias]

Thank you for the analysis! I had a hard time distinguishing between the chords at some places, and this video helped me clear up many wrongly-notated chords (e.g. that C/B which I had written down as just C7). I would also like to see more on the topic of *why* bach chose each chord that he did. I can make out the basics of tonic / dominant and how the resolution is delayed, but for sure there must be more to it that I can't yet grasp!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad the analysis helped clarify those chords for you! Bach's choices are fascinating, and I'll definitely consider diving deeper into that topic in future videos.

[@romeomadrid7601]

Those chords was used by Guonod in his Ave Maria for vocal music.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Yes, and what a beautiful piece it is!

[@andymindful]

As a long ago piano student, I enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you. I gained insight today.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it insightful! Thanks for watching.

[@albertomezzatesta1259]

Thank you, maestro, you are great at explaining music!

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Your kind words mean a lot to me, thank you!

[@letsdisagree]

Wonderful video. Thank you so much. A supreme genius was Bach.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@pianoman6639]

Thank you so much for this I am actually learning this piece right now .this has helped

[@athomewithmusic8698]

I’m glad the video proved helpful. All the best.

[@martinfitzsimons9539]

Hello from the Republic of Ireland!!!! LOVE the video....I'm currently learning this and your explanation is very helpful. Keep doin' what you're doin'....and come to Ireland for the Guinness and the Irish music.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

We definitely want to visit Ireland someday. My dear wife will drink the Guiness (I'm a lifelong teetotaler) but we both love Irish music!

[@dmottolo]

Wonderful explanation and analysis! - thank you for doing this.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome!

[@NEEDSHES]

Thank you so much!🙏

[@athomewithmusic8698]

You're welcome!

[@thomaspavey1718]

Thanks, and thanks, and forever thanks.. Most educational and enjoyable.

[@athomewithmusic8698]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad to know that you enjoyed the video!