I've a question: I have the Dover (1983) version of The WTC (Books I and II, complete). In Bach's Prelude in C Major from Book I, is there a measure missing between measures 22 and 23?

Reason why I ask, I first learnt this piece from the Thompson 5th Grade Book, and when I played the piece from the WTC, something seemed to be missing. A quick check indicated that the Thompson version had one measure more than the version in the Dover. Which version is "correct?"

The version in Thompson Grade 5 appears to be a copy of Carl Czerny's 'corrected' edition. Apparently Czerny didn't think that the transition was "smooth" enough for his classical-period ears, so he editorialized. Later editions based on JSB's manuscripts pointed out Czerny's embellishment, and did not reproduce that particular bit of poetic license.

Hi Matt -

Thanks for the reply. I believe Gounod used Bach's Prelude in C Maj. intact as the accompaniment for his "Ave Maria." Interestingly enough, it seems you need that little Czerny embellishment for the Ave Maria.

At any rate, I'm trying to get used to playing it without the extra measure. It certainly is difficult to unlearn something you've known for so many years.