Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

Jul 18, 1839

Publication Date

:

1885

First Performance

:

Sep 30, 1840

Average_duration

:

5:21

Felix Mendelssohn's Fugue for organ in F minor, also known as the "Great Fugue," was composed in 1837 and premiered in the same year in St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt. The piece is a single movement work that lasts approximately six minutes. The fugue is written in four voices and begins with a solemn and dramatic introduction in the pedal. The first subject is then introduced in the soprano voice, followed by the alto, tenor, and bass voices. The subject is a short, rhythmic motif that is repeated and developed throughout the piece. The fugue is characterized by its complex counterpoint and the skillful use of chromaticism. The middle section of the fugue features a new theme in the alto voice, which is then imitated by the other voices. This section is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the more intense opening section. The fugue then returns to the original subject, which is developed further before reaching a powerful and triumphant conclusion. Mendelssohn's Fugue for organ in F minor is a masterful example of the fugue form and demonstrates his skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of chromaticism and its complex counterpoint, which creates a rich and intricate texture. The fugue is also notable for its dramatic and powerful character, which is typical of Mendelssohn's music.

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