fugal etymology

Etymology

The word "fugal" comes from the Latin word "fugere," which means "to flee."

Meaning

In music, the term "fugal" refers to a type of composition that is based on the imitation of a short musical theme between two or more voices. The theme is introduced in one voice and then imitated in a second voice, and so on. The voices often enter at different time intervals, creating a sense of counterpoint and complexity.

Origin

The fugal style of composition originated in the Renaissance period (14th-16th centuries). Early fugues were simple two-voice imitative pieces, but over time they became more complex and elaborate. By the Baroque period (17th-18th centuries), fugues were a standard part of the repertoire for keyboard instruments and vocal ensembles.

Some of the most famous fugal compositions include:

  • "The Well-Tempered Clavier" by Johann Sebastian Bach
  • "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach
  • "Fugue in D Minor" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • "Fugue No. 14 in B-flat Major" by Ludwig van Beethoven

fugal relate terms

  • fugue

    Etymology The word fugue comes from the Latin word fuga meaning flight It was or

  • fugitive

    Etymology From Middle English fugityf fugitive runaway from Latin fugitivus fugiti

  • fowl

    Etymology The word fowl is derived from the Middle English word foul which in turn

  • canon

    Etymology The word canon originates from the Greek word kanōn meaning rule or m

  • fresh

    Etymology The word fresh derives from the Old English word fersc meaning new rece

  • consume

    Etymology Latin consumere to destroy use up exhaust Old French consumer consum

  • emancipate

    Etymology Latin emancipare to release a child from parental authority Latin root

  • Iowa

    Etymology and Meaning The name Iowa is derived from the Iowa Native American tribe who

  • subtle

    Etymology Sub Latin prefix meaning under slightly or less Tilis Latin adjec

  • smart

    Etymology of smart Middle English smarte smerte Old English smeortan smeort Proto

  • surmise

    Etymology Old French surmiser Late Latin supermisare to think over Latin supe

  • instinct

    Etymology Old French instinct Latin instinctus Past participle of instinguere