Fugue

Definition

A fugue is a complex musical composition characterized by the systematic imitation of a principal theme (subject) in simultaneous melodic lines (voices). It showcases a distinctive texture that combines counterpoint and polyphony, where multiple independent melodies intertwine, creating a rich and intricate sound. The interplay of these voices, often featuring variations and developments of the subject, is a defining feature of this form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fugues are typically structured in sections, starting with an exposition, followed by episodes and further entries of the subject.
2. The main theme in a fugue can be manipulated through various techniques such as inversion, retrograde, and augmentation.
3. Fugues can be written for various instruments or voices, commonly found in keyboard music, choral works, and orchestral pieces.
4. The most famous composer known for his mastery of the fugue is Johann Sebastian Bach, whose works exemplify the complexity and beauty of this form.
5. Fugues can vary in length and complexity, with some being relatively short and simple while others can be lengthy and intricate.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a fugue contribute to its overall musical texture?
  • The structure of a fugue plays a crucial role in its texture by establishing multiple voices that interact through counterpoint. The exposition introduces the main theme in each voice, setting up a framework for subsequent development. This layered approach allows listeners to experience the intricate relationships between the melodies, resulting in a rich polyphonic texture that defines the essence of the fugue.
• Discuss how compositional techniques such as inversion and augmentation affect the thematic development within a fugue.
  • Compositional techniques like inversion and augmentation significantly enhance thematic development within a fugue. Inversion alters the direction of the melody while retaining its contour, adding variety to the texture without losing the original theme's identity. Augmentation stretches out the rhythm of the theme, allowing it to be presented in a different light. These techniques create depth and complexity as they contribute to the overall interplay between voices.
• Evaluate the significance of Johann Sebastian Bach's contributions to the development of the fugue as a musical form and how they influenced later composers.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach's contributions to the fugue were pivotal in establishing it as a vital form within Western classical music. His mastery showcased not only technical skill but also emotional depth, setting a standard for future composers. The intricate structures and innovative uses of counterpoint found in Bach's fugues influenced countless musicians and composers after him, establishing foundational principles that continue to resonate in contemporary music composition. Bach's work ensured that the fugue would remain an important element of music theory and practice well beyond his time.

Related terms

Counterpoint:

The relationship between two or more melodic lines that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour.

Exposition:

The initial section of a fugue where the main theme is introduced in each voice, establishing the key and setting up the following development.

Stretto: A technique used in fugues where the entries of the subject occur closer together than in the exposition, creating a sense of urgency and tension.