Bach Prelude and Fugue

St. Paul, Minn. — Of the many musical genres that Bach cultivated during his lifetime, none has enjoyed more lasting influence than the prelude and fugue.

The fugue is a strict form that challenges both the performer and the listener.

The prelude is something quite different -- a warmup, if you will, to prepare the crowd -- and the fingers -- for what's to come.

Where the fugue is direct, the prelude is more of a fantasy and "moody."

Listen online to one of the finest Bach interpreters, Hungarian organist Balint Karosi -- First Prize winner at the 16th International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig. He plays Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544 in a concert from Oberlin College.

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Michael Barone hosts an all-day free "concert crawl" on Saturday -- the day before Bach's birthday.

9:00 a.m. -St. Mark's Cathedral

10:30 a.m. - First Unitarian Society

1:00 p.m. - St. Olaf Catholic Church

2:30 p.m. - Westminster Presbyterian Church Chapel

4:00 p.m. - Central Lutheran Church

The first hour will be broadcast live on Classical MPR. Performers include organist, Raymond Johnston; harpsichordists, Paul Boehnke and Tami Morse; the Bach Society Chorus, and the Choir of St Mark's Cathedral.