Prelude And Fugue

Question 1

What is the Texture of Prelude and Fugue like? (5)

Answer 1

• Prelude: mainly contrapuntal.
• Most of prelude based on pedal notes.
• Homophony (21-22).
• Fugue is contrapuntal with 3 simultaneous melody lines.
• (1-5) of Fugue is monophonic.

Question 2

Describe the Structure of Prelude and Fugue: (3)

Answer 2

• 5 sections: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 (Prelude)
• The fugue is based on a subject followed by an answer.
• Prelude: ABA: ternary form.

Question 3

What is the Harmony and Tonality of Prelude and Fugue? (6)

Answer 3

• Both movements begin and end in Amajor.
• Emphasis on tonic and dominant with pedals and chords.
• Has areas of tonal ambiguity. 13-15 (P)
• Plagal cadence at the end of Prelude.
• Chromatic harmony from (13-15): Prelude
• Slow harmonic rhythm in the fugue.

Question 4

What is the Melody in Prelude and Fugue? (5)

Answer 4

• Melodies in fugue based on arpeggios: triadic.
• 4 semiquavers and steplike movement at beginning of prelude.
• Episodes in fugue: (41-46) and (55-57).
• 2 countersubjects (5-8) and (11-14) which reoccur.
• Subjects in fugue reoccur and develop throughout.

Question 5

What is the Rhythm and Metre like in Prelude and Fugue like? (5)

Answer 5

• Prelude is in 12/8.
• Fugue is in duple time.
• Prelude’s metre changes to 9/8 at (22) and (25-end).
• ‘Stretto’: quicker time at 71 (fugue).
• Mainly quaver movement in Prelude.

Question 6

Describe the Context and Forces of Prelude and Fugue: (6)

Answer 6

• Composed by Shostakovich in 1950-51.
• Neoclassical of the baroque era.
• Career affected by being forced into Soviet regime.
• Written for solo piano.
• Inspired by Bach.
• 20th Century composer.