A fugue is a type of musical composition that is based on a theme, called a subject, which is introduced by one voice or instrument and then imitated by other voices or instruments in a contrapuntal manner. The subject is typically a short, melodic idea that is repeated and developed throughout the piece.
In a fugue, the subject is first presented by one voice or instrument, and then followed by other voices or instruments that enter one by one, each playing the subject in turn while the previous voice or instrument continues to play a variant of the subject or a related melody in counterpoint.
A fugue usually consists of several sections, including the exposition, where the subject is introduced and the voices or instruments enter one by one; the development, where the subject is varied and elaborated; and the recapitulation, where the subject is restated in its original form.
Fugues are often associated with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, who is considered one of the greatest composers of fugues. However, fugues have been used by many other composers throughout the history of Western classical music, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms.
Fugue Technique
Description
Exposition
The opening section of a fugue where the main theme (subject) is introduced
Answer
The second voice or instrument that enters with the subject, usually a fifth or fourth higher or lower than the first
Episode
A section of the fugue where the subject is not present and the other voices play free material
Stretto
A technique where the subject is imitated by other voices in close succession, creating a sense of acceleration
Inversion
A technique where the intervals of the subject are reversed (i.e. a rising interval becomes a descending interval)
Augmentation
A technique where the duration of the subject is increased, usually by doubling or tripling the note values
Diminution
A technique where the duration of the subject is decreased, usually by halving or quartering the note values
Counter-subject
A secondary melody that is played simultaneously with the subject and helps to create harmonic and rhythmic tension
Pedal point
A technique where a single note, usually in the bass, is sustained while the other voices move around it
Coda
The final section of a fugue, often featuring a final statement of the subject and a sense of resolution
Exposition Type Fugue Technique
Description
Simple Fugue
A fugue that has only one subject and no episodes or other types of thematic material
Double Fugue
A fugue that has two subjects that are introduced separately and then combined
Triple Fugue
A fugue that has three subjects that are introduced separately and then combined
Fugue with Modulating Subject
A fugue where the subject modulates (changes key) during its presentation
Fugue with Stretto Exposition
A fugue where the voices enter in close succession from the beginning, creating a sense of acceleration
Fugue with Non-imitative Exposition
A fugue where the voices do not imitate the subject, but instead play contrasting material
Fugue with Fugal Answer
A fugue where the answer is a true fugue subject and not a modified version of the subject
Fugue with Inverted Answer
A fugue where the answer is an inversion of the subject
Fugue with Augmented Subject
A fugue where the subject is presented with longer note values
Fugue with Diminished Subject
A fugue where the subject is presented with shorter note values
Answer Type Fugue Technique
Description
Real Answer Fugue
A fugue where the answer is an exact transposition of the subject, preserving both the intervals and the rhythmic character
Tonal Answer Fugue
A fugue where the answer is transposed to a different key to maintain the harmonic structure
Fugue with Countersubject Answer
A fugue where the answer is accompanied by a countersubject, a secondary melody played simultaneously
Fugue with Inverted Answer
A fugue where the answer is an inversion of the subject
Fugue with Retrograde Answer
A fugue where the answer is played backwards, maintaining both the intervals and the rhythmic character
Fugue with Double Answer
A fugue where there are two answers, each one following a statement of the subject
Fugue with Stretto Answer
A fugue where the answer is presented in close succession, creating a sense of acceleration
Fugue with Augmented Answer
A fugue where the answer is presented with longer note values
Fugue with Diminished Answer
A fugue where the answer is presented with shorter note values
Fugue with Free Answer
A fugue where the answer is not based on the subject but rather on a different thematic material
Episode Type Fugue Technique
Description
Stretto Episode Fugue
An episode that uses stretto, where the subject is imitated in close succession to create a sense of acceleration
Free Episode Fugue
An episode that is not based on the subject or countersubject, but rather uses new thematic material
Development Episode Fugue
An episode that develops and elaborates on material from the exposition
Sequential Episode Fugue
An episode that is based on a sequence of harmonies or melodic patterns
Pedal Point Episode Fugue
An episode that features a sustained note in the bass (pedal point) while the other voices move around it
Fugue with Interlude Episode
A fugue where a short interlude separates the exposition from the development, creating a break in the thematic material
Fugue with Coda Episode
A fugue where the coda is integrated into the episode section, rather than being a separate section at the end
Fugue with Transitional Episode
A fugue where the episode serves as a transition between two sections or themes
Fugue with Multiple Episodes
A fugue that features several episodes, each with a different character or purpose
Fugue with Imitative Episode
A fugue where the episode is based on imitation of a short melodic or rhythmic pattern
Stretto Fugue Technique
Description
Simple Stretto Fugue
A fugue where the subject is imitated in close succession
Double Stretto Fugue
A fugue where two voices enter in stretto
Triple Stretto Fugue
A fugue where three voices enter in stretto
Fugue with Overlapping Stretto
A fugue where the entries in stretto overlap
Fugue with Augmented Stretto
A fugue where the stretto entries are presented with longer note values
Fugue with Diminished Stretto
A fugue where the stretto entries are presented with shorter note values
Fugue with Compound Stretto
A fugue where the subject is imitated in stretto at multiple intervals, such as the octave and the fifth
Fugue with Inverted Stretto
A fugue where the stretto entries are inversions of the subject
Fugue with Retrograde Stretto
A fugue where the stretto entries are played backwards
Fugue with Interrupted Stretto
A fugue where the stretto entries are interrupted by other voices or material