Playing J.S. Bach's Keyboard Music on Today's Piano: Challenges and Interpretive Approaches

Johann Sebastian Bach’s keyboard music remains a cornerstone of Western classical music, revered for its structural brilliance, emotional depth, and pedagogical value. Composed for instruments such as the harpsichord, clavichord, and organ, these works demand a nuanced understanding of Baroque performance practices. Performing Bach’s keyboard compositions on the modern piano introduces both challenges and opportunities, requiring careful adaptation to honor the composer’s intentions while utilizing the expressive possibilities of the contemporary instrument. This paper explores the historical context of Bach’s keyboard music, examines the interpretive and technical challenges of performing these works on today’s piano, and highlights the artistic opportunities that the instrument provides. Drawing on key texts, including David Schulenberg’s The Keyboard Music of J.S. Bach and C.P.E. Bach’s Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments, alongside insights from Glenn Gould’s interpretations, this study bridges the gap between historical authenticity and modern expression. By integrating scholarly research with practical applications, this thesis seeks to provide performers and educators with tools to navigate the complexities of Bach’s keyboard music in the 21st century.