anybody know how to write a fugue?

[pmz310]

I've just started composing without the knowledge of writing a fugue, anyone know how?

thanks,
P

[pianogeek_cz]

Ummm...
Play Bach's fugues. Or, at least, try to sight-read them. As many as humanly possible. And inventions, too. A basic command of counterpoint is necessary.
Make a structural plan before you even put the first note down (alternately, if a good motif just appears, write it down and then build the structure), never ever let a fugue "just evolve".
Read theory. There are excellent analytical essays on the web. Especially here.
I've written one (not very good) and am working on another one. It's not easy, but it's rewarding. A well-structured fugue sounds good even if the motif is (almost) horrible.

[ahinton]

Yes - hopefully...

Best,

Alistair

[iumonito]

pmz, write what you hear in your head, and call it whatever you want.

Your original post begs the question, have you studied your basics in music theory and composition.  My guess is the answer is no, so rather than aim right away for a fugue, you would probably benefit from doing a lot of figured bass and harmonization exercises, and learn the old rules of counterpoint (the species of counterpoint), then learn some canon technique, then do a few two-part fugues.

Or, find Glen Gould's recipe.  Very funny.

But really, all that is for naught if you have something in your head that is obstructed by technical knowledge.  Knowing more may inspire you and free you, but you should not let rules get in the way of your creative spirit.

[gerry]

Why are there suddenly two identical threads? One ends with my link to the Glenn Gould piece and the other ends with iuminoto's comment?

[Petter]

There were always two identical threads, He double posted, maybe there´s some contrapunctual fugueish stuff going on.

[iumonito]

The other thread is the theme, though.  This one feels much more like a countersubject.

[cygnusdei]

Maybe he meant a canon?

[pmz310]

alright guys, joklings over, computer malfunction haha

[gerry]

wwwweeeellll   ssssshhhhhoooouuullllllddddd  wwwweeeee tttthhhhheeeennnn uuuussseeee ttttthhhhheeee ooooottttthhhheeerrrrr tttttthhhhhrrrreeeeeaaaddd?

(a little augmentation)

[pmz310]

wwwweeeellll   ssssshhhhhoooouuullllllddddd  wwwweeeee tttthhhhheeeennnn uuuussseeee ttttthhhhheeee ooooottttthhhheeerrrrr tttttthhhhhrrrreeeeeaaaddd?

(a little augmentation)

honestly i dont really care

[cygnusdei]

I must have dementia or something. I just posted gerry's youtube link here ... lol
gone now