1. The Art (and Craft) of the Fugue

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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]

6. 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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. Subject___________________________________
Countersubject
_____________________________
Subject

14. J. S. Bach, Fugue in G minor
Subject

16. So You Want to Write A Fugue?