Fugue Form

What is a fugue?

A contrapuntal composition built from the systematic imitation and development of one or more themes (subjects) across multiple voices.

What is the subject in a fugue?

The main melodic idea introduced at the beginning and imitated throughout the fugue.

What is an answer?

The second entry of the subject, usually transposed to the dominant key.

What is the countersubject?

A recurring contrapuntal line that accompanies the subject or answer.

What is an exposition in fugue form?

The opening section where each voice enters successively with the subject or answer.

What is an episode?

A developmental passage between subject entries, often using sequences or fragments of the subject.

What is counterpoint?

The combination of independent melodic lines sounding simultaneously.

What is contrapuntal manipulation?

Techniques used to transform subjects while preserving their identity (augmentation, inversion, stretto, diminution, etc.).

What is stretto?

Overlapping subject entries occurring before the previous statement finishes.

What is augmentation?

A subject presented in longer rhythmic values (slower).

What is diminution?

A subject presented in shorter rhythmic values (faster).

What is inversion?

A version of the subject where intervals move in opposite directions.

What is a canon?

A strict imitative technique where one voice exactly follows another after a delay.

What is The Well-Tempered Clavier?

Two books of preludes and fugues by Johann Sebastian Bach, one in every major and minor key.

How many preludes and fugues are in each book of The Well-Tempered Clavier?

24 preludes and 24 fugues.

Why was The Well-Tempered Clavier historically important?

It demonstrated the artistic possibilities of well-tempered tuning across all keys.

What does “well-tempered” refer to?

A tuning system allowing music in all keys without severe tuning problems.

What is the tonic?

The home key or tonal center.

What is the dominant?

The fifth scale degree/key, commonly used for answers in fugues.

What is an augmentation stretto?

Overlapping subject entries occurring simultaneously at different rhythmic speeds.

What usually signals a fugue climax?

Dense stretto entries, increased harmonic tension, and overlapping subjects.

Why are Bach fugues studied so extensively?

They represent some of the highest achievements in contrapuntal composition and structural organization.