Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544

J.S. Bach composed his majestic Prelude and Fugue in B minor during his years serving at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, and an autograph copy dates from the period 1727-1730. The work includes traditional contrapuntal techniques along with newer elements of the Rococo style that were becoming popular in the 18th century. The Prelude, with its frequent appoggiaturas, suspensions, and "sigh motifs", conjures up comparisons with Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

The Fugue begins with a stately, stepwise theme that is joined by second, more angular subject after a long passage for manuals alone. The combination of these contrasting themes leads to one of the most dramatic conclusions in all of Bach's organ music.