TheFantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 562 is a relatively short piece written for theorgan byJohann Sebastian Bach. Bach began the composition during his time inWeimar, and an unfinishedfugue, probably by Bach, was added in his later life.[1] The piece features a heavilyappoggiatura-laden harmony.[2]
Bach was hired in 1708 by the ruling duke of Saxe-Weimar,Wilhelm Ernst, as an organist and member of the court orchestra; he was particularly encouraged to make use of his unique talents with the organ.[3] During his tenure at Weimar his fame as an organist grew, and many students of the organ visited him to hear him play and to learn from his technique.[4] The composer also wrote many of his greatest organ works during the period, including theToccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 and thePrelude and Fugue in E major, BWV 566.[5] TheFantasia and Fugue in C minor was begun during this period, as a lonefantasia in the title key. The fugue was added in 1745, most likely by Bach, but possibly by one of his students or sons. This piece is one of a few by Bach with a considerable period between the composition of its component sections.[1]
The whole piece lasts about six minutes,[2] and comprises an 81-bar fantasia and an unfinished fugue, of which 27 bars are written. The fantasia has a very imposing structure and sound, the feel of which is created by the piece's one-measure generative theme. This theme passes between fivecontrapuntal voices of the organ, with occasional movement into new ideas; even the pedal bass is used for the theme. The theme contains manyappoggiaturas, which provide the piece with a slight virtuosic feel. The fugue is written in6
4 time and uses a simple half–quarter rhythm. It ends abruptly in the middle of the 27th bar after the exposition of the five voices is completed and astretto passage begins.[1]
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