Embedded Files
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Identify and define key terms and concepts related to fugue, such as subject, answer, countersubject, exposition, episode, stretto, and coda. Differentiate between real and tonal answers.
Describe the structure and components of a fugue, including the roles of the subject, answer, countersubject, and episodes.
Analyze a given fugue to identify the subject, answer, countersubject, and episodes. Discuss how these elements are developed and transformed throughout the piece, and how they contribute to the fugue's overall structure and expression.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
The Fugue, pp. 329–343 (Theory for Today's Musician) - available online through the library
High Baroque Fugal Exposition (Open Music Theory)
Watch
Watch
Introduction to Fugue
(Rick Beato, 5 mins)
Introduction to Fugue
(Rick Beato, 5 mins)
Fugue Analysis: Bach Fugue in G Minor, WTC I
(David Thomas, 3 mins) - Just watch 1:00–3:40
Fugue Analysis: Bach Fugue in G Minor, WTC I
(David Thomas, 3 mins) - Just watch 1:00–3:40
Watch this video after reviewing the reading and "Introduction to Fugue" video.
Explore
Explore
Watch an animated score of Bach's “Little” Fugue in G minor. Use your eyes and ears to follow along with the different voices.
Stephen Malinowski created animations for over 200 fugues by Bach and other composers. Check out the playlist here on his YouTube channel.
Then, check out the interactive resource above, shared by Mark Gotham in the OMT reading. Follow along with annotated fugue scores lined up with real performances.
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Discussion
Discussion
Fugue Structure: Describe the typical structure of a fugue. How do the subject, answer, and countersubject interact in the exposition, and what role do episodes play in the development of a fugue?
Definitions: What is the difference between a real and tonal answer? What is stretto?
Activities
Activities
Online Worksheets:
Guided Analysis (from Music Theory for the 21st Century Classroom)
Analysis of J.S. Bach, Mass in B Minor, BWV 232, Kyrie eleison II (See Exercises 6). Solution included.
Analysis of J.S. Bach, Fugue 21 in B-flat, BWV 866 (See Exercises 6).
Mixed Practice from Theory for Today's Musician Workbook, pp. 225–236
Distinguishing real and tonal answers, composing answers and countersubjects, analysis with Pachelbel and Bach
Practice Writing Answers and Countersubjects (from Open Music Theory)
Directions from OMT: “Try writing your own answers and countersubjects. The template file below provides the subjects for all 48 fugues in both books of the Well-Tempered Clavier. An empty second staff is provided for your practice. (Note that the last note in many of the fugue subjects is given without a stem to indicate the pitch without specifying the duration rhythm.) If you know some of these fugues well, you may want to work on ones you’re less familiar with....You may wish to compare your solutions to Bach’s. Note that Bach’s solutions are not the only possible ones, so don’t expect to come up with exactly the same music. Note too that not every fugue has a regular invertible countersubject.”
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Check out Stephanie Probst's video to explore a visual model for analyzing fugue form through piano rolls.
Or, listen to Dejan Lazić perform a fugue based on a theme by Lady Gaga.
Music Appreciation Through Animation: Percy Scholes’s “AudioGraphic” Piano Rolls
(Stephanie Probst, SMT-V, 10 mins)
Dejan Lazić performing a Lady Gaga Fugue at BBC Proms
(Dejan Lazićy, 3 mins)
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