Prelude & Fugue ("St. Anne") in Eb Major, BWV 552

These two pieces constitute the beginning and ending of Bach's Die Klavierübung, Part III. The prelude utilizes three major textures: the first grand and stately; the second coy, almost childish; the third is like a rolling wave, starting small but eventually threatening to encompass everything in its path, but it finally reverts to the first texture. The fugue is based on the hymn tune known as "St. Anne," and also has three major sections, the first (Allebreve or cut time) based on the chorale, the second (with a time signature of 6/4) of a gentle rolling nature, and the third (in 12/8 time) introduces a dancelike characteristic rhythm which is punctuated with glimpses of the hymn tune, which finally emerges triumphantly in the pedal at the end. They are a towering monument amidst Bach's already impressive array of organ masterpieces. [15;55]