Hofstadter, Dennett - The Mind's I

Prelude . . . Ant Fugue 154about it. I can't imagine why no one had ever found the result before.ACHILLES: As a result of this unanticipatedly rich mathematical success, Mr. T was able tocarry out the acoustico-retrieval which he had so long dreamed of. And Mr. Crab's presenthere represents a palpable realization of all this abstract work.CRAB: Don't tell me it's a recording of Bach playing his own works for harpsichord!ACHILLES: I'm sorry, but I have to, for that is indeed just what it is! This is a set of tworecords of Johann Sebastian Bach playing all of his Well- Tempered Clavier. Each recordcontains one of the two volumes of the Well-Tempered Clavier; that is to say, each recordcontains twenty-four preludes and fugues-one in each major and minor key.CRAB: Well, we must absolutely put one of these priceless records on, immediately! Andhow can I ever thank the two of you?TORTOISE: You have already thanked us plentifully, with this deliciou tea which you haveprepared.(The Crab slides one of the records out of its jacket and puts it on. The sound of an incrediblymasterful harpsichordist fills the room, in the highest imaginable fidelity. One even hears-oris it one's imagination ?-the soft sounds of Bach singing to himself as he plays.... )CRAB: Would any of you like to follow along in the score? I happen to have a unique editionof the Well-Tempered Clavier, specially illuminated by a teacher of mine who happens alsoto be an unusually fine calligrapher.TORTOISE: I would very much enjoy that.(The Crab goes to his elegant glass-enclosed wooden bookcase, opens the doors, and drawsout two large volumes.)CRAB: Here you are, Mr. Tortoise. I've never really gotten to know all the beautifulillustrations in this edition. Perhaps your gift will provide the needed impetus for me to do so.TORTOISE: I do hope so.ANTEATER: Have you ever noticed how in these pieces the prelude always sets the moodperfectly for the following fugue?CRAB: Yes. Although it may be hard to put it into words, there is always some subtlerelation between the two. Even if the prelude and fugue