Crab: Don't tell me it's a recording of Bach playing his own works for
harpsichord!
Achilles: I'm sorry, but I have to, for that is indeed just what it is! This is a
set of two records of Johann Sebastian Bach ~laying all of his Well-
Tempered Clavier. Each record contains one of the two volumes of the
Well-Tempered Clavier; that is to say, each record contains 24 preludes
and fugues-one in each major and minor key.
Crab: Well, we must absolutely put one of these priceless records on,
immediately! And how can I e\er thank the two of you?
Tortoise: You have already thanked us plentifully, with this delicious tea
which you have prepared.(The Crab slides one of the records out of its jacket, and puts it on. The
sound of an incredibly masterful harpsichordistfills the room, in the highest
imaginable fidelity. One even hears.,.--or is it one's imagination? -the soft
sounds of Bach singing to him,ell as he plays ... )Crab: Would any of you like to follow along in the score? I happen to have
a unique edition of the Well-Tempered Clavier, specially illuminated by a
teacher of mine who happens also to be an unusually fine calligrapher.
Tortoise: I would very much enjoy that.
(The Crab goes to his elegant glws··enclosed wooden bookcase, opens the
doors, and draws out two large volumes.)
Crab: Here you are, Mr. Tortoise. I've never really gotten to know all the
beautiful illustrations in this edition. Perhaps your gift will provide the
needed impetus for me to do so.
Tortoise: I do hope so.
Anteater: Have you ever noticed how in these pieces the prelude always
sets the mood perfectly for the following fugue?
Crab: Yes. Although it may be hard to put it into words, there is always
some subtle relation between the two. Even if the prelude and fugue
do not have a common melodic subject, there is nevertheless always
some intangible abstract quality which underlies both of them, binding
them together very strongly.
Tortoise: And there is something very dramatic about the few moments of
silent suspense hanging between prelude and fugue-that moment
where the the theme of the fugue is about to ring out, in single tones,
and then to join with itself in e\ er-increasingly complex levels of weird,
exquisite harmony.
Achilles: I know just what you mean. There are so many preludes and
fugues which I haven't yet gotten to know, and for me that fleeting
interlude of silence is very exciting; it's a time when I try to second-
guess old Bach. For example, I always wonder what the fugue's tempo
will be: allegro, or adagio? Will it be in 6/8, or 4/4? Will it have three
voices, or five-or four? And then, the first voice starts ... Such an
exquisite moment.(^280) Prelude ...