BBC Proms 2017 Prom 73, Sir Andras Schiff performs Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier (320kbps mp3)

Live at BBC Proms: Sir András Schiff performs Book 1 of Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier.

The master pianist plays nearly two hours of music that for many represents both the foundation and one of the summits of the entire keyboard literature.

Presented by Ian Skelly

00. Introductory commentary
01. Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier - Book 1
Sir András Schiff (piano)

The two volumes of Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier together represent one of Western music's greatest achievements.

Once described as the 'Old Testament' of the keyboard repertoire, these two sequences of 24 Preludes and Fugues - one in every key - represent a wealth of musical invention, ingenuity and delight. A supreme technical challenge for any performer, they also offer an astonishing experience for every listener.

Sir András Schiff, whose discography includes Bach's complete keyboard repertoire, here performs Book I - embarking upon a cycle that he will conclude next year with Book 2.

Broadcast: 7 September 2017