The four-volume work consists of various
elements. A general Introduction covers topics like the origins of the
WTC, the "well-tempered" scale, the clavier at Bach's time, the history
of the prelude, and the background of fugue composition. This is
followed by a catalogue of very specific Questions Regarding a
Prelude and Questions Regarding a Fugue, which the reader
is urged to answer for himself with regard to a particular prelude or
fugue. The scope of the questions, their possible implications, and the
terms used are then explianed step by step in a section entitled
Additional Information.
The main body of each of the four volumes,
under the heading Models Answers, contains in-depth investigations into
the structure and material of each of 48 preludes and fugues along with
remarks on performance practice and an exploration of the pertinent
performance decision a pianist in our time faces. These individual
chapters, dedicated to one prelude and fugue each, are illustrated with
music excerpts, diagrams, and graphic illustrations.