Art of the Fugue is iTunes Classical Chart-topper
Bonnie Gibbons
It’s as if you told a physicist that Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was topping the best-seller list. It’s not supposed to happen. This is because the 14 fugues and four canons that make up The Art of Fugue constitute one of the most esoteric musical works ever written. Each fugue bears the severe title Contrapunctus followed by a number, and there is no indication of what instruments are supposed to play them. Every piece is in D minor; all are based on the same melodic theme. It’s as if Bach intended the AOF as a theoretical treatise, to be read and studied rather than performed, to demonstrate some of the more arcane things you can do with the idea of a fugue.
Along the way, in an effort to convey why he considers the album an “unlikely” success, Swafford offers a pretty usable definition of what a fugue actually is, complete with audio examples as he then provides a tour of the piece.
Swafford even compares the Aimard performance with the decades-old, scat-sung version by the Swingle Singers, to which he confesses a nostalgic attachment.
The Aimard recording doesn’t seem to be on Rhapsody, but the Glenn Gould recording is.
Jan Swafford is the author of several books:
-
Buy: Amazon | Powell’s Books
Or find this book at a local store:
-
Buy: Amazon | Powell’s Books
Or find this book at a local store:
Reader Comments (4)
I bet Bach wanted to explore the fugue by doing more than than a prelude, followed by a fugue . By writing multiple fugues in the same key, based on the same melodic theme, he has created a fugue and fugue and fugue... or a fugue with fugal variations.
In terms of performing, I didn't think they were too esoteric when I played them as piano duets (2 pianos) with a previous teacher. I thought they were wonderful to play in this fashion because I was partaking in the interplay of the voices. Listening is another matter, although I do enjoy the recording the Canadian Brass made of the "Kunst".
Packers Jersey
Aaron Rodgers Jersey
Charles Woodson Jersey
Clay Matthews Jersey
Greg Jennings Jersey
A.J.Hawk Jersey
Aaron Kampman Jersey
Al Harris Jersey
B.J.Raji Jersey
Bart Starr Jersey
Brandon Jackson Jersey
Brett Favre Jersey
Donald Driver Jersey
James Starks Jersey
Jermichael Finley Jersey
Jordy Nelson Jersey
Nick Barnett Jersey
Paul Hornung Jersey
Ray Nitschke Jersey
Reggie White Jersey
Ryan Grant Jersey
William Henderson Jersey
Packers-Jerseys-Shop.com Shop featuring Sports Apparel and Fan Gear
An Green Bay Packers fan? Then our Green Bay Packers shop can help you make your dream come true. Here you can find Green Bay Packers jerseys you want with all kinds of styles and colors. It's easy to get, just click your mouse. Here you can choose many types of Packers jerseys, such as authentic jerseys, , and replica jerseys, they are all of high quality. They are made of high-quality polyester two-way stretch pique fabric and has solid mesh inserts for ventilation. You can also see many jerseys of hot players such as Clay Matthews, Aaron Rodgers and so on; you can choose what you like best from them. They are all free shipping and not tax.
Burberry, maker of the classic trench coat and plaid scarf, Coach Store Online has transformed itself into one of the hottest brands in fashion today making Coach Outlet Online Store . The Coach Factory Outlet is a mainstay of high fashion, so much so many companies have started making replica Coach Factory Outlet Store.
Coach Factory was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry a apprentice to a country draper in England. He started by opening a outfitters shop. Originally known as an outdoor wear manufacturer, Coach Outlet Online Store invented Gabardine which is a breathable, waterproof fabric that is made by waterproofing the yarn prior to weaving. This was patented in 1888. Coach Factory Outlet Online Most of the original line was directed towards outerwear and military uniforms. In 1901 the familiar Burberry Equestrian Knight was developed and registered as a trademark. In the 1920's theCoach Factory Outlet Online which had been used as a lining for their trench coat was trademarked. It has since become synonymous with Coach Outlet Online. These distinctive trench coats have been seen in movies. For example Humphrey Bogart wore one in Casablanca, Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. And this is how the burberry handbag and replica burberry handbags craze iniated.
The Coach Outlet Onlineentered the scene around strong around 1999 when the appointment of Italian designed Robert Menchetti to the division renewed the brands popularity. Prior to this it was slumping because of a very conservative image and an Asian recession which had always been a stronghold for the company. But soon Coach Outlet will be seen worldwide.
Such notables as David Beckham, Coach Factory Tamara Beckwith, and Spice Girl Victoria Adams Coach Bag fully embraced the new approach along with Prince William and Kate Moss. It looks as if the Coach Outlet Store is finally among the elite chic of the fashion world.
A few of the more notableCheap Coach Purses styles include :
The Ultra-chic Burberry Blue Check handbag is compact, lightweight and ideal for today's fashionable woman. Coach Purse Outlet Online Attractive blue, white, ivory tan and black cover vinyl-coated canvas in the familiar Coach Outlet Stores is accented with tan leather trim. Full-length zippered top opens to reveal a canvas lined interior. Matching tan leather strap fits comfortably on the shoulder. Blue Check Coach Outlet Coupon is 10-1/4 inches wide, 4-3/4 inches high and 1-3/4 inches deep. Shoulder strap is 26-inches long. This handbag typically sells for approximately 450 dollars. Truly a stunningCoach Factory Store Online . A replica burberry handbag of the same style will run you about 100 dollars.
Cheap Coach Bags Check Snowdrop handbag is compact, sleekly styled and just right for today's busy woman. This colors of pink, white and tan for the Candy Check cover in vinyl-coated canvas. It is accented with matching tan leather piped trim.
Christmas sale <h1>coach handbags outlet</h1>
So much that one cannot bear to part with it <h1>cheap designer handbags</h1>
cheap designer handbags<h1>cheap coach handbags</h1>
Single product sales <h1>authentic jerseys suppliers</h1>
Delicate and beautiful <h1>cheap coach bags</h1>
Buy want to buy products <h1>coach outlet</h1>
Design Division <h1>coach outlet store online</h1>
Beautiful and durable <h1>coach factory outlet</h1>
Good quality affordable <h1>nfl jerseys suppliers</h1>
The most fashionable cheap <h1>cheap nfl jerseys</h1>
Spot buying <h1>coach bags on sale</h1> Welcome to buy