The Art and Craft of the Fugue Pop

The Art (and Craft) of the Fugue

Pop Quiz: What do the following compositions have in common? 1. Handel “Hallelujah Chorus” (1742) 2. Beethoven, “Piano Sonata in A Major Op. 101, finale (1816) 3. Lady Gaga, beginning of “Bad Romance” (2009) All 3 = Fugues

I. Introduction to Fugue A. Fugue held continuous interest for musicians, 1600 s-present B. Fugue from Latin “fugare” to chase/flee C. The Challenge=Write a piece that: 1. aesthetically pleasing + solves intellectual problems • Counterpoint is tough • Imitative counterpoint/polyphony really tough

Melody Part I I Melody Part III II IV I II I etc.

II. Precursors of Fugue Name this bad boy, the composer, and the compositional technique A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation B. Instrumental Ricercar[e]

II. Precursors of Fugue A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation B. Instrumental Ricercar[e] 1. Renaissance Instrumental Work in Imitative Polyphonic Texture 2. Similar to Renaissance motet (w/o text) 3. Fewer points of Imitation, = more time to “research” each idea C. Baroque Fugue: 1. Single musical theme, the subject, explored in detail

III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint (=arsenal for musical “research”) A. Inversion

III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation

III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation

III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation D. Stretto

IV. The Structure of Fugue A. Polyphonic Composition for fixed number of “voices” (=maximum) B. Based on a Theme called the SUBJECT C. Begins with Exposition D. Continues with Episode E. Unfolds as Succession of Expositions & Episodes F. Expos. have at least 1 statement of subject G. Usually Uses One or More Techniques of Higher Counterpoint H. Countersubjects

Subject__________________ Countersubject _______________ Subject

J. S. Bach, Fugue in G minor Subject

So You Want to Write A Fugue?