The Well-Tempered Clavier

The Well-Tempered Clavier is a collection of solo keyboard music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in the early 18th century. It consists of 48 pieces—two sets of 24—that explore all major and minor musical keys. Bach’s innovative use of tuning systems, called "well-tempered," allowed the keyboard to play in any key without sounding out of tune. This work showcases technical mastery and deep musical insight, serving both as a comprehensive study for keyboard players and a foundational influence on Western classical music. It remains a cornerstone for understanding harmony, technique, and compositional structure.