What is a fugue? The Art of Contrapuntal Composition

What is a fugue? The Art of Contrapuntal Composition

A fugue is a masterpiece of contrapuntal texture, where multiple independent voices weave together around a central theme, known as the subject.

While often misunderstood as a “form,” a fugue form is better described as a method of presenting contrapuntal ideas.

To delve deeper into this fascinating area of composition, consider consulting The Study of Fugue, an authoritative and comprehensive guide.

What is a fugue?

A fugue is a type of musical composition that is built around a central theme, called the subject, which is introduced at the beginning and then developed and interwoven with other voices throughout the piece.

It is one of the most intricate and intellectually challenging forms of music, commonly associated with Baroque composers like Johann Sebastian Bach.

Key Characteristics of a Fugue

• Counterpoint:
  A fugue uses counterpoint, meaning multiple independent melodies (or voices) are played simultaneously, yet harmonize together.
• Subject and Answer:
  The subject is the main theme, while the answer is a transposed version of the subject, often shifted to a different key (usually the dominant one).
• Imitative Entries:
  The subject is introduced by one voice and then imitated by other voices, creating layers of texture.
• Structure:
  A fugue typically consists of three main sections:
  • Exposition: The subject is introduced in each voice.
  • Middle Section: The subject appears in different keys, interspersed with episodes.
  • Final Section: The subject returns to the original key, often leading to a climactic conclusion.
• Development Techniques:
  A fugue often employs techniques such as:
  • Stretto: Overlapping entries of the subject.
  • Inversion: Flipping the subject upside-down.
  • Augmentation/Diminution: Changing the note values of the subject to make it slower or faster.

Fugue Writing: Why Write a Fugue?

A fugue showcases a composer’s mastery of form, melody, and harmony. It is both an intellectual and artistic pursuit, often used to explore complex musical ideas.

Would you like me to break down a specific example of a fugue or provide a comparison with other forms of music?

Understanding the Fugue Structure

A fugue writing typically consists of three main sections:

• The Exposition
• The Middle Section (sometimes referred to as the modulating section)
• The Final Section

These sections are defined not by changes in theme but by contrasts in key. Let’s examine each section in detail:

1. The Exposition

The exposition lays the groundwork for the fugue. It begins with a single voice introducing the subject, which establishes the tonic key.

Then, as the first voice continues, a second voice enters with the answer—a transposed version of the subject.

The answer is typically presented in the dominant key, transposed up a perfect fifth or down a perfect fourth.

While the second voice plays the answer, the first voice can either:

• Perform a free counterpoint, or
• Introduce a counter-subject, which is a secondary theme designed to complement the subject.

For example:

• Voice 1 introduces the subject in C major.
• Voice 2 enters with the answer in G major.
• Meanwhile, Voice 1 may introduce a counter-subject or play freely.

Additional voices may follow the same pattern, each entering with the subject or answering alternately until all voices have joined the fugue.

2. The Middle Section

Once the exposition is complete, the middle section begins. Entries of the subject characterize this section and answer in keys other than the tonic, creating harmonic variety and complexity.

Between these entries, composers often use episodes—modulating passages that provide contrast and prevent over-repetition of the subject.

These episodes are usually based on fragments of the subject or counter-subject.

They serve as bridges, seamlessly transitioning between entries in different keys while maintaining the fugue’s momentum.

3. The Final Section

The final section marks the return of the subject to the tonic key. This section often includes at least one clear entry of the subject in its original key, bringing a sense of resolution and unity to the piece.

The fugue typically concludes with a coda, which can range from a few notes to several bars.

The coda ties together the various threads of the composition, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Techniques to Enhance Your Fugue

To bring variety and depth to your fugue, consider incorporating these advanced techniques, often referred to as fugal devices:

• Stretto
  • In a stretto, entries of the subject and answer overlap. The second voice begins before the first has finished.
  • A close stretto occurs when the overlapping is significant, creating a denser texture and heightened tension.
• Augmentation
  • This involves presenting the subject in notes of greater value, usually doubling their duration. For instance, quarter notes become half notes, adding grandeur and a sense of expansion.
• Diminution
  • The opposite of augmentation, diminution shortens the subject’s note values, typically halving them. This creates a faster, more energetic variation of the subject.
• Inverse Movement
  • In this technique, the subject flips upside-down: ascending intervals become descending, and descending intervals become ascending. This “mirror image” of the subject enhances the fugue with an intellectual and artistic dimension.

Such techniques can also combine to create even greater complexity.

For example, the subject can simultaneously appear in both augmentation and inverse movement, with its notes doubled in length and flipped upside-down.

Practical Tips for Writing Your First Fugue

• Crafting the Subject: Begin by creating a strong, memorable subject. A good subject is concise, melodically interesting, and adaptable to contrapuntal manipulation.
• Planning the Counterpoint: Decide whether you’ll include a counter-subject, and if so, ensure it complements the subject harmonically and rhythmically.
• Mapping the Structure: Outline the key changes and plan where episodes and entries will occur. This helps maintain clarity in the overall structure.
• Experimenting with Techniques: Use devices like stretto, augmentation, and inverse movement strategically to add variety and maintain the listener’s interest.

Example of a Fugue Structure

Here’s a simple example of how a fugue might unfold:

• Exposition: Subject in C major (Voice 1), Answer in G major (Voice 2), additional voices entering alternately.
• Middle Section: Episodes and entries in related keys such as A minor or E minor.
• Final Section: Return of the subject in C major, culminating in a coda.

Conclusion

Writing a fugue requires a balance of creativity, discipline, and technical skill. By understanding its structure and techniques, you can create music that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

Stay tuned for our future step-by-step guide, where we’ll explore constructing your subject and building your fugue from the ground up!