J.S. Bach. Scribal manuscript of nos.18/1 and 18/2 of 'Die Kunst der Fuge', BWV 1080, late C18th or early C19th

Johann Sebastian Bach

Scribal manuscript of two fugues in D minor for two keyboards, nos.18/1 and 18/2 of Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080

the keyboard I part only, notated in brown ink on up to five two-stave systems per page, the first fugue headed 'Fuga duo Clavecimbalorum', the second, 'Alio modo Fuga duo Clavecimbalorum' 

6 pages, plus blanks, oblong 4to (25 x 32.5cm), no place or date [late C18th or early C19th]

Two fugues from Bach's great, famously unfinished, compendium of fugal technique, Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of Fugue). The present manuscript no doubt originated in connection with the late C18th/early C19th revival of interest in Bach's contrapuntal genius.

PROVENANCE:

From the collection of Ernst Rudorff (1840-1916)