fugue

formfyoogfrom Latin

A contrapuntal composition where a theme is introduced and developed through imitative entries.

In Depth

A fugue begins with a single voice stating the subject — a melody that serves as the work's foundation. Other voices enter one by one, each stating the subject while the previous voices continue with countersubject material. Once all voices have entered, the fugue alternates between episodes (free development) and further subject entries in different keys. J.S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier, containing 48 preludes and fugues in all major and minor keys, is the definitive collection. The Art of Fugue, his final major work, explores the form's possibilities with extraordinary depth. Despite its technical reputation, a well-written fugue can be deeply expressive — Bach's fugues range from joyful to profoundly contemplative.
Did you know?

Bach's final work, The Art of Fugue, breaks off mid-sentence. He died while writing the last fugue, and the manuscript ends abruptly — one of the most poignant moments in all of music.

Related Terms

counterpoint

More in Form

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chorale prelude

An organ composition based on a hymn tune, serving as a liturgical introduction to congregational singing

recitative

A style of vocal delivery that follows the rhythms of speech, used to advance the plot in opera.

hook

A catchy musical phrase designed to grab the listener's attention and be memorable.

bridge

A contrasting section in a song that connects two parts, or the wooden piece on a string instrument that supports the strings.

suite

A collection of instrumental pieces grouped together, often dances in the same key.

ground bass

A short bass pattern repeated continuously throughout a composition while upper voices vary freely above it.

sonata-rondo form

A hybrid form combining elements of the rondo and sonata form, typically used for Classical-era finales

bagatelle

A short, light piano piece, often of modest technical demands

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