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The Art (and Craft) of the Fugue
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What do the following compositions
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
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I. Introduction to Fugue
A. Fugue held continuous interest for musicians, 1600s-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
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I II III IV I II III I II I etc. Melody Part I Melody Part II
Melody Part III I II III IV I II III I II I etc.
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II. Precursors of Fugue A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation
Name this bad boy, the composer, and the compositional technique A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation B. Instrumental Ricercar[e]
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II. Precursors of Fugue A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation
B. Instrumental Ricercar[e] Renaissance Instrumental Work in Imitative Polyphonic Texture 2. Similar to Renaissance motet (w/o text) Fewer points of Imitation, = more time to “research” each idea C. Baroque Fugue: 1. Single musical theme, the subject, explored in detail
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Techniques of Higher Counterpoint (=arsenal for musical “research”)
A. Inversion
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III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint
A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation
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III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint
A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation
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III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint
A. Inversion B. Diminution C. Augmentation D. Stretto
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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
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Subject___________________________________
Countersubject _____________________________ Subject
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J. S. Bach, Fugue in G minor Subject
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So You Want to Write A Fugue?
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