When Two Things Are True at Once
I’m working on the Bach Prelude & Fugue No. 8 in E-flat Minor this month (part of my year-long commitment to learn one prelude and fugue from Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 each month).
The prelude starts with a simple blocked-chord motif (i-iv-vii°-i) in the middle register, underscoring a song-like melody. It’s written in cantilena style, which is similar to a vocalise.
Dear March, Come In!
It was 70 degrees last week, and then it snowed. March is funny like that. I’m reminded of Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Dear March, Come In” (do you know Copland’s setting?).
“Oh March, Come right upstairs with me—
I have so much to tell—
I got your Letter, and the Birds—”
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