Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who composed Organ Fugue in G Minor?
Who composed Organ Fugue in G Minor?
Johann Sebastian Bach
What style or era is Organ Fugue in G Minor from?
What style or era is Organ Fugue in G Minor from?
Baroque
How many keyboard fugues did Bach compose?
How many keyboard fugues did Bach compose?
nearly 100, about a third of which are for the organ
How many voices is this fugue written in? What are they?
How many voices is this fugue written in? What are they?
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Where does the subject appear in the Organ Fugue in G Minor?
Where does the subject appear in the Organ Fugue in G Minor?
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Where was this piece written?
Where was this piece written?
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What is the term for the ternary (ABA) form for an aria?
What is the term for the ternary (ABA) form for an aria?
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What is a showy passage for the soloist near the end of a concerto called?
What is a showy passage for the soloist near the end of a concerto called?
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What is the genre that first appeared in Italy during the seventeenth century?
What is the genre that first appeared in Italy during the seventeenth century?
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What is the German word for the hymn of the Lutheran Church?
What is the German word for the hymn of the Lutheran Church?
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What is a multimovement sacred work including arias, ariosos, and recitatives?
What is a multimovement sacred work including arias, ariosos, and recitatives?
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What is a passage of free, nonimitative counterpoint found in a fugue?
What is a passage of free, nonimitative counterpoint found in a fugue?
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What is the opening section in a fugue called?
What is the opening section in a fugue called?
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What is a composition for three, four, or five parts called?
What is a composition for three, four, or five parts called?
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What is a note, usually in the bass, sustained while harmonies change around it?
What is a note, usually in the bass, sustained while harmonies change around it?
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What is an introductory, improvisatory-like movement called?
What is an introductory, improvisatory-like movement called?
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What is the term for the principal theme in a fugue?
What is the term for the principal theme in a fugue?
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Which part does the fourth statement of the subject in the exposition begin on?
Which part does the fourth statement of the subject in the exposition begin on?
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What is the order of the second and third notes in the initial statement of the subject?
What is the order of the second and third notes in the initial statement of the subject?
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Does this fugue modulate?
Does this fugue modulate?
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In this fugue, which of the following does not contribute to a sense of finality at the end of the piece?
In this fugue, which of the following does not contribute to a sense of finality at the end of the piece?
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How many performers did Bach intend for this four-voice fugue to be played by on the organ?
How many performers did Bach intend for this four-voice fugue to be played by on the organ?
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Study Notes
Overview of Organ Fugue in G Minor
- Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a pivotal figure in Baroque music.
- Written during the Baroque era, known for its complex forms and expressive melodies.
Bach's Keyboard Work
- Bach created nearly 100 keyboard fugues, with approximately one-third specifically for organ.
- Fugues showcase intricate counterpoint and a blend of voices.
Structure and Voice
- This fugue is written for four voices: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
- The subject, the main thematic material, is first presented in the soprano voice.
Composition and Origins
- The piece originated in Germany, reflecting the musical traditions of the time.
- It follows a ternary (ABA) structure, also known as da capo form.
Key Terms in Fugues and Related Works
- A cadenza is a virtuosic passage typically appearing near the end of a movement.
- A cantata is a vocal genre that emerged in Italy in the 17th century.
- Chorale refers to a simple hymn melody for congregational singing in the Lutheran Church.
- A church cantata includes various vocal forms with orchestral accompaniment.
- An episode in a fugue is a section with free counterpoint, distinct from the subject.
- The exposition is the opening section of a fugue where the subject is introduced by each voice.
Musical Elements
- A pedal point is a sustained note in the bass while harmonies shift around it.
- A prelude serves as an introductory movement, setting the stage for subsequent pieces.
- The subject is the principal theme that drives the fugue's structure.
Technical Features
- The fourth statement of the subject in the exposition starts on the dominant rather than the tonic.
- The initial statement of the subject features notes from the tonic triad: G, B-flat, and D, in the order D then B-flat after G.
- The piece modulates, contributing to its dynamic character.
Performance Notes
- Exaggerated crescendo and ritardando at the conclusion do not enhance the sense of finality in the piece.
- Bach designed this four-voice fugue for a single performer on the organ, showcasing individual virtuosity.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Bach's Organ Fugue in G Minor with these flashcards. This quiz covers critical aspects of the composition, including its composer, style, and details about its structure. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!
