So again today Bach challenges my summation of easy keys and hard music: Key of e minor (only one sharp in key signature), and only a two voice fugue, the only fugue in WTCI&II with less than three parts. And why is this not really an invention but a fugue? Probably the faithful re-iteration of the subject makes it fugue, but it’s summer and I’m too relaxed for research. The prelude feels very easy — finger-y but easy — right up until the surprise Presto, at which point you’re supposed to play like a crazed animal for two more pages, which brings memories of a beloved former student getting stuck six measures before the end of the prelude and (horrors!) starting OVER. The audience of piano students, teachers and families groaned knowingly as student re-started only to become hopelessly entangled. My student stopped mid-confusion, rose from the bench, bowed, and mourned. Later, the student took first at the state competition with this prelude as one of the pieces. I recall the student’s mastery of a light, even touch throughout the prelude, as I plod my own fingers through the Presto today.