Joelene Tomecek
12/1/2013
The Usual Essay Assignment
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fugue in G Minor (the “Little” fugue), BWV 578, is a
well-structured piece that is easy to understand the main motives. There are many
factors that contribute to this becoming a successful composition. Thesis: This
composition represents an idea being shaped and transformed little by little while
keeping the problem it’s faced with, an essential component.
This composition begins with the first three notes and every time a different
‘voice’ enters it begins with the same three notes. Now, the piece does not just repeat
the first three notes, but also the whole first line. The first three notes are just more
easily heard throughout the composition. These three notes are shown in the beginning
of the graphic score which are marked by a star. Each voice plays the same line, and
when they reach a certain point of the line, another either higher or lower voice enters
starting with the same notes, as the first voice continues to elaborate on the line. The
structure in Bach’s piece is called a fugue, which in fact is in the name of Bach’s piece.
This structure adds interest to the melodic line. Imagine if this theme is only started
after the line is finished the first time, this would be a repetitive, boring song. The
repetition of the melodic line in different pitches represents the individual shaping and
forming but while also not losing sight of why it is really there. The structure also gives
a visual of the idea repeating the problem over and over again to keep it in mind, so that
the right conclusion can be made.
The whole piece is actually played on the same instrument, an organ. Because of
this, the different ‘voices’ essentially have the same timbre. This shows the many
different pitches the organ is able to play. It gives an idea of how one instrument is able
to produce a plethora of sounds and pitches, which gives a more interesting
Joelene Tomecek
12/1/2013
composition. If the same melodic line was being played by the same pitch at different
times, the composition would not be as successful. By the composition having the same
timbre and using the same instrument, it supports the thesis by being an idea keeping
its focus on one problem. Having one timbre represents one idea.
Even with the same instrument being used, the pitches vary greatly due to the
wide range of the organ. The piece in the beginning starts with a high voice and
overlaps with a lower voice. The voices keep going lower and lower until the lowest
range of the organ is played. By this happening, the idea is growing and shaping to be
stronger which is shown by the lower stronger voices.
A few times during the piece, the main motive transitions into something
different than the motive everyone is used to hearing. This is what proves the idea is
being changed and shaped. The transition point at the second star in the graphic score
is a moment of transformation in the piece. This adds variety to the piece as well as
supports the idea trying to resolve the problem by trying a different ‘outcome’ other than
the same melodic line that has consistently be heard. There is another one of these
points at the end of the piece which enables the idea to have resolved the situation. The
last star on the graphic score reveals the beginning of resolution of the problem.
Bach’s Fugue in G Minor is an interesting composition, that even through the use
of repetition, does not become old and boring. All the factors in Bach’s composition that
make it interesting are the same ones that support the thesis of an idea growing and
resolving itself to an end. The thesis is supported by the fugue structure, the different
pitches, the transition and conclusion of the composition, and the timbre being the
same.
Joelene Tomecek
12/1/2013
Graphic Score Picture:
Joelene Tomecek
12/1/2013
Reference:
1. “Johann Sebastian Bach - ''Little'' Fugue in G minor, BMV 578,” YouTube video, 4:07, from
Sony classical – Great Performances, 1903-1998 by various artists, posted by
“LuwiDa2nd,” October 13, 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8i5D2uz84.