The Study of Fugue

by Alfred Mann

Classic study comprises two parts. The first is a comprehensive historical survey of writings on the fugue from the beginning of fugal teaching (c. 1350) to the present. Part Two explores in depth four 18th-century studies which are its classical presentations: Steps to Parnassus, J. J. Fux (1725), A Treatise on Fugue, F. W. Marpurg (1753–54), Fundamental and Practical Essay on Fugal Counterpoint, Padre Martini (1775), A Manual of the Fundamental Principles of Composition, J. A. Albrechtsberger (1790). Translations of texts, introductions and critical commentary, and many musical examples. Index. Bibliography.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, History

339 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1966

Reviews

[James Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess that I only read part of this book, but I mean to return to it. Writing fugue is kind of like trying to sort out the details of particle physics - seemingly simple in the abstract but very elusive in the details. I like that Mann has included chapters by multiple theorists and composers, providing a breadth of understanding to this fascinating form of composition. Well worth the effort.

[Cliff Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential for aspiring composers and adept listeners. The evolution of the fugue is content heavy and dry but highly rewarding, especially for a Bach enthusiast such as myself. The limitations and potential of a fugue is explored thoroughly enough for academia. The thought processes of the fugue pioneers are explained as well as criticised with periodic subjectivity. However I think that some of the criticism are arbitrary and could get really confusing. Perhaps I'm too ignorant of the polyphonic discourse.
Nonetheless I got useful information out of the book.

[Garry Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book, in one form or another, since the age of 14. If it had been nothing more than a translation of J.J. Fux's "Gradus...", it would still have claim to a special place in my collection of composition oriented books.

The historical survey is interesting, as well.

[Robin Boudreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

essential

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I think there are better presentations on learning fugue nowadays, this has a nice collection of classic texts on the subject.