Analysis and Comparison of Recordings

This paper offers a comprehensive study of Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543, focusing on various recordings to gain deeper insights into Bach's performance practices. The research begins by exploring the historical context and structure of the work, followed by an analysis of articulation techniques used by different organists, highlighting commonalities and differences in their interpretations. While Bach’s organ works are of lasting artistic value, the lack of articulation markings in the original scores, coupled with the passage of time, makes determining the most authentic performance style challenging. To address this, it is essential to study the historical context and the score itself. A thorough understanding of organ repertoire is crucial, and listening to other performers' interpretations is an effective learning tool. However, after reviewing multiple recordings, it is clear that each organist presents a unique understanding of the piece. Therefore, this paper offers detailed analyses of several recordings, providing valuable insights for those studying this work.