Prelude, Fugue Terms

Question 1

Equal temperament

Answer 1

• a method of tuning keyboard instruments
• The octave is divided into 12 equal semitones
• facilitated the composition and performance of music in all keys

Question 2

clavier

Answer 2

• a German word for keyboard instruments other than the organ

Question 3

counterpoint

Answer 3

• a combination of two or more independent melodic lines
• also referred to as polyphonic texture

Question 4

subject

Answer 4

• the initial statement of the main theme of the fugue
• in the tonic key

Question 5

real answer

Answer 5

• the exact transposition of the subject

Question 6

tonal answer

Answer 6

• a statement of the subject in which one or more intervals is adjusted to accommodate the harmony

Question 7

countersubject

Answer 7

• a recurring countermelody, accompanies entries of the subject and answer

Question 8

episode

Answer 8

• a passage within a fugue in which neither subject nor answer is present
• frequently sequential