What is the first melody in a fugue called?
A traditional fugue follows a specific structure, with each section serving a particular harmonic role. Subject: The opening of a fugue is known as its exposition. A fugue exposition begins with the introduction of its central melody, the subject.
What are the parts of a fugue called?
A fugue usually has three sections: an exposition, a development, and finally, a recapitulation that contains the return of the subject in the fugue’s tonic key, though not all fugues have a recapitulation.
Is fugue vocal or instrumental?
A fugue is the most complex polyphonic musical form, involving imitation among the parts (called “voices” whether they are vocal or instrumental). The word fugue comes from fuga, meaning to chase since each voice “chases” the previous one.
Are fugues polyphonic?
A fugue is a special type of polyphonic texture. Fugues always begin with a tune that is played on a solo instrument/sung by a solo voice or produced by instruments/voices in unison. This tune is then played by all the other instruments or voices in turn, but not necessarily at the same pitch.
What is a fugue simple?
In music, a fugue (/fjuːɡ/) is a contrapuntal compositional technique in two or more voices, built on a subject (a musical theme) that is introduced at the beginning in imitation (repetition at different pitches) and which recurs frequently in the course of the composition. Some fugues have a recapitulation.
What is the example of fugue?
In Mozart’s Fugue in G Minor, K 401, for piano four hands (1782), the two subjects are melodic inversions of each other. Two excellent examples of triple fugue (i.e., having three subjects) are Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, No. 4, and his Fugue in E-flat Major for organ, BWV 552, called the St.
Is Canon a polyphony?
Canons are a type of polyphonic texture. Polyphony is a democratic musical texture in which many voices are operating with independence. So, even though each voice in a canon is performing the same melody, because they’re operating independently of one another by starting at different points, the result is polyphonic.
What is the counter subject in a fugue?
In a fugue, a countersubject is “the continuation of counterpoint in the voice that began with the subject”, occurring against the answer. It is not usually regarded as an essential feature of fugue, however.
Which is the main melody of a fugue?
Question and answer. The main melody of a fugue is called the A. episode. The main melody of a fugue is called the subject.
How is the subject introduced in a fugue?
A fugue exposition begins with the introduction of its central melody, the subject. The subject is the primary motif of the entire fugue and will be the template for other melodies. Any voice in a fugue can play the subject; for instance, in a string quartet, the violins, the viola, or the cello can introduce the subject.
When was the fugue most popular in music?
This is a lot like how a fugue works. A fugue is a piece of music that uses interwoven melodies based on a single musical idea. Fugues were most popular during the Baroque Period, ca. 1600-1750.
How are double fugues used in music theory?
You will sometimes come across Double Fugues. These can be seen in 2 forms: A subject is introduced at the start of the piece and answered in the usual way. A second subject is then introduced and also answered. The 2 subjects are then combined at a later point in the piece.