The Fugue is much better than the prelude. But, that prelude is just terrible, worse than a first year university theory student. But then there is the fugue that starts well, then forgets it is a fugue, rather like piano improvisations circa 1870: As long as the audience are impressed with the showmanship, all is well. Form recedes into nonexistence….
JS Bach and J Brahms are some 150 years apart. Maestro Schneider wouldn't be playing (beautifully as usual) any Brahms if he had sounded like a parody of the undisputable Father of preludes and fugues. Hemiola and this use of chromaticism are not Bach's, yet they sound perfectly fit for the end of the XIX century, when Joe was writing. I would see this as a homage to JS rather than a clumsy imitation. Respect for all views though
Strange piece. The all pervading 3/2 adds nothing and the thematic material is not strong. Bits of it really go nowhere. I could see it could possibly be loosely inspired by BWV 543. It looks and sounds like it’s been written to be difficult but without much effect to sound impressive. Probably a lot of work to play for little benefit or joy to either performer or audience.
