Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor

J. S. BachBWV 582

Key

Cm

Time

3/4

Tempo

♩=50

AO focus

AO3

Form

Passacaglia + Fugue paired piece. Passacaglia = 21 variations over an 8-bar bass theme. Fugue follows, taking the first half of the passacaglia bass as its subject. The grandest single organ work of the Baroque era.

Teaching points

• Passacaglia bass — 8-bar theme stated alone in the pedals at the outset
• 21 variations — track each variation's distinguishing feature (rhythmic figure, contrapuntal device, registration)
• AO3: passacaglia + fugue as paired forms — variations explore the bass; fugue elaborates a subject derived from it. Architectural unity
• Practical: Grade 8 / diploma organ standard