Questions and Answers
Who composed Organ Fugue in G Minor?
Johann Sebastian Bach
What style or era is Organ Fugue in G Minor from?
Baroque
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?
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Where does the subject appear in the Organ Fugue in G Minor?
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Where was this piece written?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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What is the opening section in a fugue called?
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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?
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What is an introductory, improvisatory-like movement called?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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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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!