Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998 is one of the central works of the classical guitar’s Baroque repertoire.
This post features Eliot Fisk’s transcription for solo classical guitar, published by Ricordi, presented in the guitar-friendly key of D major. Bach’s original work is in E-flat major and was associated with lute or keyboard; Fisk’s edition adapts the complete composition to the technical and resonant possibilities of the modern guitar.
The three movements create a complete musical and technical journey:
The Prelude develops a continuous, flowing texture shaped by harmonic movement and carefully sustained voices.
The Fugue requires contrapuntal clarity, independence between parts, and a strong understanding of the subject’s development.
The Allegro demands rhythmic precision, secure articulation, coordination, and controlled momentum.
As you study this edition, pay particular attention to:
Separation and balance of the individual voices
Consistency of Fisk’s fingerings and position changes
Sustaining bass notes and inner voices
Harmonic direction within long phrases
Clear articulation without sacrificing legato
The use of open strings and resonance in D major
Feel free to use the comments to share:
Fingering alternatives
Practice questions
Interpretive observations
Recordings or progress videos
Difficult passages you would like the group to examine
Practice each voice independently before rebuilding the full texture. In Bach, technical decisions should always serve the counterpoint, harmonic structure, and direction of the musical phrase.
Which movement would you like to study first: the Prelude, Fugue, or Allegro?
