Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) is one of the most famous and important composers of the Baroque era. He is known for his works in genres such as orchestral suites, sonatas, concertos, and choral works. For instrumental works, he composed solo works for keyboard (such as the “Well-Tempered Clavier”), violin (such as the sonatas and partitas for solo violin), and harpsichord. He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time and his instrumental works are still widely performed and studied today.

One of Bach’s great instrumental works is the lute suite. His lute music now has been transcribed and played on the guitar for several decades. Among those lute works, “BWV 998” is an excellent example of Bach's mastery of form and harmony. In this study, we will go through below subjects for a more detailed investigation on this piece:

1. Brief introduction of Bach’s lute works.

2. Debates around this piece. About Bach’s authentic instrumentation of this piece, is it for lute or luteharpsichord? Some scholars’ opinions will be referred to and discussed in this study.

3. Music analysis:

a. Prelude: Introductory analysis including motive, melody, harmony, bass parts (basso continuo, bass lines).

b. Fugue: Introductory analysis of the fugue elements in this piece, such as subject, answer, countersubject, and free material.

c. Allegro: Through the analysis of its treble and bass parts to introduce the composer’s excellent skill in this lovely piece.

4. Music interpretation.

5. Conclusion and suggestion for future, extended research of this piece.