Contrapunctus 1: The Art Of Fugue

In the first part of Contrapunctus 1, the exposition, an organ introduces the main theme (subject) with the alto range. The theme’s melody starts low, rises to the highest pitch, then waivers around the first pitch of the theme. Performed in quadruple meter, the exposition’s main theme is mostly conjunct with one disjunct phrase in the middle. After the subject is introduced by the alto the soprano answers by repeating the subject at a higher pitch. Following the soprano’s answer the bass reintroduces the main theme at a lower pitch and is answered by the tenor. During this subject-and-answer interaction Bach uses imitative counterpoint to merge the four voices into one cohesive texture. Episode one is introduced with the soprano and tenor performing binary imitative passages. The bass and alto also perform binary imitative passages alongside the soprano and tenor. With the end of Episode one the middle section is introduced with the repetition of the main theme by the alto. At a nearly undistinguishable pitch, the soprano introduces the main theme but is muffled before completion by the bass’ introduction of the answer in stretto. After the bass’ interruption, Bach shifts the key using modulation. Episode two is then introduced with the bass and alto perform an increasing segment similar to Episode one with the soprano providing …show more content…
Although Contrapunctus 1 is beautiful to hear when played on an organ, it does not provide enough low tones that can be easily distinguished by someone that struggles to discern the upper ranges of soprano. But when the bass and alto are supporting the melody, the theme is easily distinguishable. Using descriptors to help guide my ears, I was able to selectively hear melodies performed in higher ranges, allowing me to fully hear the execution of fugue vices in producing an appreciable work of