Fugue improvisation - Pathetique

[bjornr]

I am trying to learn how to improvise fugues. I am working on a set of 24, but I also work with well known melodies for fun. Here I took the main theme from the third movement of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata. Let me know what you think. Thanks

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[chopinlover01]

Unfortunately, you've used far too much pedal in this recording for me to hear really anything. And I'm using good headphones, too XD

[philolog]

I think what you've accomplished is impressive. I've often wondered what it would be like to be able to improvise a fugue------after all, we've all heard about J.S. Bach's ability in that regard! However I don't think I could keep so tightly to the form as you seem to have done------I suppose I'd have to analyze a score to substantiate my impression but it seems to me that you maintain the relationship between the theme and its countersubject quite well, with added episodes to provide variety----the fugal formula in a nutshell. Finally, unless my ears deceive me, there are some interesting harmonic modulations along the way. Keep at it and if you're not too discouraged by the lack of responses, post again.

[bjornr]

I appreciate your comment, and I understand where you are coming from. But I am actually going to defend my use of the pedal. If you read this I might ask you to give it another listen and this time just listen to it as an organic piece of music. My wish is to participate in the process of taking the fugue out of the Baroque era. I am not so interested in recreating a Baroque fugue, that has already been done to perfection.
As someone with an apparent appreciation for the music of Chopin, think what he might have done with the fugue. Think if one of his Ballades or Scherzos was a fugue in the style of late Beethoven.  He was so good at voice leading and fine virtuosic finger work, think if he had claimed ownership of the fugue. I want to do with the fugue something a little more raucous and romantic, to which I might liberally apply the pedal and sacrifice a little bit the contrapuntal clarity we are use to with our Baroque masters.
I love improvising but I am not interested in being a jazz pianist. I love classical piano but I'm really not disciplined enough to get the classical pieces I'm working on 100% finished. So I am combining my love of improvising with my favorite classical form into some sort of hybrid.
I hope I don't sound defensive. If you got this far, you are welcome to simply say you like or not. I was never expecting anyone to provide an analysis of my ability to do a proper fugue. I figure I will get better at that with time. It's only been two years since I started this project. Cheers!

[bjornr]

To philolog

Thank you kindly!
If someone is seeking international fame with the piano I can't yet recommend fugal improvisation. Bummer. I appreciate your comment very much. I suppose if I am honest I am mostly looking for some encouragement. Even if most people screamed stop I would continue anyways as I enjoy it so darn much. But one positive response so far anyways I am grateful for. More videos are coming. Thanks again!

[chopinlover01]

I'm more griping about acoustics than anything else, really. Yes, the fugue and the pedal were both important things in Chopin's day, and Beethoven's day, and all good composers pass the Baroque era, when the pedal was not invented yet.
I just can't hear much except a blur of sound; and not the beautiful blurs of sound like you find in Debussy and Ravel.