J. S. Bach could teach you something!
In a manuscript of one of Bach's students at Leipzig's Thomas-Schule.
There are some Fugues
Here set into Partimenti Exercises
With which to improve your compositional Skill
5 fugues set in Partimento Exercises to learn the Art of Fugue Writing
In Precepts and Principles by J. S. Bach
Presumed to be the result of J.S. Bach imparting knowledge to one of his students at Leipzig's Thomas-Schule, the Precepts and Principles for Playing the Thorough Bass or Accompanying in Four Parts stands out as a crucial instructional document in Bach's legacy.
This manuscript offers invaluable insights into Bach's teachings on harmony, fugue, and potentially unveils aspects of his compositional process.
The 48-page manuscript, credited to Bach's pupil Carl August Thieme (1721-95), includes instructions in thorough bass realization, studies in fugue writing, and cadence patterns suitable for keyboard practice.
Fugue 1: Hexachordal Subject
The first fugue, in C Major, follows the shape of the hexachord.
Indeed, the subject begins with "Gut Cfa Ela Dsol", and then concludes on "Ela".
The hexachord was a very important structure in Baroque music, and knowing how to handle it in counterpoint is of fundamental importance.
Here are the resources you will have at your disposal:
Subject of the Fugue
- Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line of the Fugue
- Written Realization of the Fugue
- Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
- PDF documents to download
Frame from Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line
Fugue 2: Do Re Mi Subject
What to do when a subject begins with two repeated notes?
You will learn it in the second fugue, where the subject begins with "Ut Ut Re".
This subject, by the way, is very idiomatic, as the melodic structure precisely follows one of the most used patterns in Galant Music: Do Re Mi.
Here are the resources you will have at your disposal:
Subject of the Fugue
- Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line of the Fugue
- Written Realization of the Fugue
- Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
- PDF documents to download.
Frame from Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
Fugue 3: Modal Subject
How to create a modal fugue?
A fugue, that is, written in one of the modes?
Fugue no. 3 is a fugue written in the first mode, the Dorian mode, in fact there is no flat in the key, as D minor would require.
The subject "Dre Ffa Gsol Ala" will be imitated at the fifth above with "Are Cfa Dsol Ela".
Here are the resources you will have at your disposal:
Subject of the Fugue
- Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line of the Fugue
- Written Realization of the Fugue
- Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
- PDF documents to download.
Frame from Written Realization of the Fugue
Fugue 4: In the Mode of G
Fugue no. 4 is very fascinating for its subject.
The subject of this modal fugue, written in the tone of G, very similar to the eighth ecclesiastical tone, has many elements: a repeated note at the beginning, the range of a fifth G C, and the descent within the subject that prepares its ascent.
This subject strongly resembles the character and style of Renaissance Canzoni da Sonar.
Here are the resources you will have at your disposal:
Subject of the Fugue
- Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line of the Fugue
- Written Realization of the Fugue
- Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
- PDF documents to download.
Frame from Written Realization of the Fugue
Fugue 5: Continuos Rhythm Subject
Fugue no. 5 is particularly unique among all because, unlike the others, the subject has a brisk and continuous rhythm in eighth notes.
Within the subject, there is a cadence at the 5th degree which in the answer at the 5th degree will become a cadence at the 1st degree.
Here are the resources you will have at your disposal:
Subject of the Fugue
- Analysis of the Partimento Bass-Line of the Fugue
- Written Realization of the Fugue
- Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
- PDF documents to download
Frame from Keyboard Realization of the Fugue
Types of Resources
- Model of the Fugue:
Video Resource to analyze the Model provided by Handel related to the Partimento Fugue. - Analysis of the Fugue:
Video Resource to analyze all the elements found in the Partimento Bass-Line. - Written Realization of the Fugue:
Video Resource to create your written realization of the fugue in order to understand each step thoroughly. - Keyboard Realization of the Fugue:
Video Resource to challenge yourself by creating a realization of the fugue directly on the keyboard. - PDF documents to download:
1) PDF with Partimento Bass-Line in Old and Modern Cles and the Canvas for your Realization.
2) The same PDF with my Notes and Realization.
Let Bach help you improve the art of the Fugue!
What's inside the Course?
Presentation
Overview - Inside the Course
FREE Ebook for you!
- All the Partimento Bass-Lines
- Advice and suggesions
- Always with you
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Let Bach help you improve the art of the Fugue!
