J.S. Bach - Prelude & Fugue in E minor ("The Wedge") BWV 548 | Metal Version

A modern metal interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548 (“The Wedge”). This project is a collaboration between Daniel Varfolomeyev and Stephen Malinowski (smalin), combining a contemporary metal performance with score-based animated visualization. The animation is constructed directly from the original notation, and carefully adapted to match the details and articulation of this specific performance, allowing the polyphony and structure of the fugue to be seen as well as heard. The prelude, originally around 7 minutes long, has been condensed to a 1-minute introduction to provide context before the fugue while keeping the musical flow accessible to a wider audience. Bach’s BWV 548 is considered one of the monumental works for organ and one of the pinnacles of Baroque contrapuntal writing. In this collaboration, the goal was to present the piece through a modern sonic lens while maintaining full respect for the architecture and brilliance of the original composition. We hope this interpretation and visualization will help listeners appreciate both the complexity and the emotional impact of this extraordinary work. 0:10 - Prelude 1:12 - Fugue