The Well-Tempered Clavier composed by J. S. Bach is in two volumes. Each book contains twenty-four pairs of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys.The Well-Tempered Clavier is generally regarded as one of the most influential works in the history of Western tuning. In this study, the author focuses on Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 860.

This thesis is divided into five chapters as follows. The first chapter is an introduction stating the research motivation, the purpose, as well as literature reviews. The second chapter introduces the historical evolution of prelude and fugue, the composing background and the shared features of the prelude and fugue in Bach’s compositions The third chapter is a musical analysis of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 860; the analysis is conducted according to the order of prelude and fugue. The fourth chapter illustrates music characteristics and performance interpretation. In the part of music characteristics, the shared musical features are discussed in the aspects of tempo, dynamics, and ornament. Bach’s arrangement of musical ideas and the expression for this piece of work are explored in the part of performance interpretation. In the end, the conclusion is drawn in the fifth chapter.

Graduate Recital Program:

J. S. Bach (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in G major BWV 860

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Piano Sonata in E minor No.53 Hob. XVI: 34

Alberto Ginastera (1916- 1983) Suite De Danzas Criollas Op. 15

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Hungarian Dance, No. 1

Charles T. Griffes (1884-1920) Roman Sketches, op. 7, No. 3 The Fountain of The Acqua Paola

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante op. 22