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Published byAlvin Parsons Modified over 9 years ago
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The Art (and Craft) of the Fugue
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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 C. The Challenge=Write a piece that: Counterpoint is tough Imitative counterpoint/polyphony really tough 1. aesthetically pleasing + solves intellectual problems B. Fugue from Latin “fugare” to chase/flee
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Melody Part IMelody Part IIMelody Part III IIIIIIIV IIIIII III I etc.
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II. Precursors of Fugue A. Renaissance Motet’s Points of Imitation B. Instrumental Ricercar[e] Name this bad boy, the composer, and the compositional technique
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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
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III.Techniques of Higher Counterpoint (=arsenal for musical “research”) (=arsenal for musical “research”) A. Inversion
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III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint C. Augmentation B. Diminution A. Inversion
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III. Techniques of Higher Counterpoint C. Augmentation B. Diminution A. Inversion
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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 G. Usually Uses One or More Techniques of Higher Counterpoint H. Countersubjects F. Expos. have at least 1 statement of subject
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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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