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Analyzing and Labeling Components of a Fugue

In analyzing a fugue and in labeling components of a fugue:

  • Do examiners require students to include details such as key of countersubject, motives, key of real answer rather than just the components (i.e. Subject, real/ tonal answer, countersubject, codetta, stretto, redundant entry, etc.)?
  • Do examiners require students to label subjects and answers in the counter-exposition as redundant entries? And in naming the type of cadences, do examiners require students to write the functional chord symbols in addition to giving the name of the cadence?

Answer

RCM Staff

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 4:23 PM

In analyzing a fugue and in labeling components of a fugue: 1) Do examiners require students to include details such as key of countersubject, motives, key of real answer rather than just the components (i.e. Subject, real/ tonal answer, countersubject, codetta, stretto, redundant entry, etc.)? 2) Do examiners require students to label subjects and answers in the counter-exposition as redundant entries? And in naming the type of cadences, do examiners require students to write the functional chord symbols in addition to giving the name of the cadence? If the question states, “Label the components of this exposition”, or “Analyze the beginning of this three-voice fugue, showing all the characteristics of this fugal exposition”, only the components listed in the syllabus are expected. No additional information is required (i.e. not the key of the countersubject , motives, or anything that is not listed in the syllabus).

Occasionally, fugal analysis includes questions aimed at specific compositional features of a work. In these cases, precise directions are given (identify and mark a certain motive, find a sequence, name a cadence, etc.). Entries in the counter-exposition need not be labelled as redundant entries. Chord symbols at cadences are not required, unless specifically requested by the question.

In some exercises, such as melody writing, the chord symbols need to be shown. For example, some harmony questions include “At each of the four cadences, write functional chord symbols. Name the type of each cadence.”

Please be sure to follow instructions for each question type.

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 4:23 PM

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