FAQs
It begins with a single voice or instrument stating the theme (the " fugue subject") of the piece. The fugue subject comes in alone by itself in monophonic texture but the remaining parts of the fugue is in intense polyphonic texture.
What is the predominant texture of a fugue? ›
In Western classical music, polyphony is commonly heard in fugues, such as Fugue no. 5 in D Major (1951–1952), written by Dmitri Shostakovich. Notice how each individual melodic line is independent, yet the voices create harmonies overall when heard together.
What texture are fugues written in? ›
A fugue is a piece of music of contrapuntal texture which is predominantly based on one theme called the subject. It's important to note that a fugue isn't really a form, it is a way of presenting a contrapuntal texture.
Does a fugue feature polyphonic texture? ›
In classical music, a fugue (/fjuːɡ/, from Latin fuga, meaning "flight" or "escape") is a contrapuntal, polyphonic 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), which recurs frequently throughout ...
Are fugues always polyphonic? ›
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.
Is a fugue monophonic or hom*ophonic? ›
Rounds, canons, and fugues are all polyphonic. (Even if there is only one melody, if different people are singing or playing it at different times, the parts sound independent.)
What is the texture of fugues always? ›
The fugue subject comes in alone by itself in monophonic texture but the remaining parts of the fugue is in intense polyphonic texture.
What are the characteristics of a fugue? ›
fugue, in music, a compositional procedure characterized by the systematic imitation of a principal theme (called the subject) in simultaneously sounding melodic lines (counterpoint). The term fugue may also be used to describe a work or part of a work.
What form is a fugue? ›
A fugue is a contrapuntal composition whose form features sections called expositions and episodes. A fugue exposition is a section that contains at least one full statement of the subject of the fugue. The fugue subject is the primary melodic idea and is stated by each voice in turn in the first exposition.
What is the primary musical texture of a fugue? ›
Expert-Verified Answer
The texture of a musical piece with distinct 'voices' or lines entering at different times is known as 'polyphonic'. This is characteristic of pieces like a fugue, where multiple melodic lines contribute equally to the texture.
Polyphonic music is a musical texture that describes a style of composing with multiple simultaneous melodies. Counterpoint is a form of polyphony, being essentially polyphony that has rules to govern and control it.
What is a fugue quizlet? ›
definition of a fugue. a composition in which the theme or subject is stated in a single voice and then developed into two or more voices.
Does fugue use imitative polyphony? ›
In a fugue, this idea that is passed around is called a subject. While not referred to as the “subject” in musical theatre pieces, it is clear that the imitative polyphony in one is comparable to imitative polyphony in a fugue.
How do you identify a fugue? ›
A fugue is a musical composition that features a main idea (subject) that is repeated and layered with other voices or instruments. In the exposition, the subject is repeated, often in a different key; this is called the answer to the subject.
What is the consistent feature of a fugue? ›
The only constant feature of a fugue is how they begin. 3. The four parts of a fugue are subject, answer, counter subject, episodes.
Are rounds and fugues examples of polyphony? ›
In imitative polyphony, a single melody is heard in more than one voice, with staggered entrances. The voices or instruments imitate each other. Some examples of imitative polyphony include rounds, canons, and fugues. As the different parts of the melodic line interact, they creates a polyphonic texture.
Fugue Musical Form Explained: Basic Structure ...MasterClasshttps://www.masterclass.com ›
A fugue is a multi-voice musical form that hinges on counterpoint between voices. Composers can write fugues for a single instrument (most notably a piano or ot...
Fugue Definition A fugue is a contrapuntal composition for a number of separate parts or voices. Usually a composer chooses to describe or define a fugue.
In classical music, a fugue is a contrapuntal, polyphonic compositional technique in two or more voices, built on a subject (a musical theme) that is introduced...
fugue, in music, a compositional procedure characterized by the systematic imitation of a principal theme (called the subject) in simultaneously sounding melodic lines (counterpoint). The term fugue may also be used to describe a work or part of a work.
What is the main melody of a fugue called? ›
Subject – the main theme of the fugue.
