fugue can be written for…
a group of instruments/voices, or for a single instrument (organ, harpsichord)
fugue
polyphonic composition based on one main theme/subject. Where different melodic line/voices imitate the subject.
voices
different melodic lines
What is the top melodic line? bottom?
soprano. bass
texture
3, 4, 5 voices
when shifted to different keys, or new melodic and rhythmic ideas are introduced…
the subject takes on new meanings
form of fugue
flexible
what is the only constant feature of the fugue?
beginning of the fugue. The subject is always presented in a single, unaccompanied voice.
In the opening of the fugue, the subject is presented in ____ different ____
2, scales
the first time, it is based on the notes of the ____ scale. but when the 2nd voice presents the subject, its in the ___ scale.
tonic, dominant (5 scale steps higher). e.g. C-D-E to G-A-B
answer
subject of a fugue presented in the dominant.
what does alternating the subject and answer do?
create variety
countersubject
when the subject in one voice is accompanied by another voice by a different melodic idea
2 musical procedures
pedal point or stretto
fugue can be varied in 4 principle ways
diminution, augmentation, retrograde, inversion.
what does a fugue convey?
a single mood and a continuous flow
How can they be written?
as independent works/single movements within a larger composition
what is an independent fugue usually introduced by?
prelude (short piece)
fugue continued into …
19th & 20th centuries…
In the Organ Fugue in G Minor…
twice presents subject in __ keys
major more conclusive than minor.
major