Composer

:

Georg Philipp Telemann

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

1731

Publication Date

:

1731

Georg Philipp Telemann, a German Baroque composer, is known for his prolific output of music, including his collection of "Kleine Fugen" (20), TWV 30:1-20. This collection of 20 fugues was composed in the early 18th century and premiered in 1717. The "Kleine Fugen" are written for keyboard instruments, such as the harpsichord or organ, and are characterized by their contrapuntal texture and strict adherence to the rules of fugue writing. Each fugue consists of a single subject that is introduced in the opening measures and then developed throughout the piece. The collection is divided into two parts, with the first ten fugues in the key of C major and the second ten in the key of F major. The first part begins with a simple and straightforward fugue in C major, with a subject that is easy to follow and a clear harmonic structure. As the collection progresses, the fugues become more complex, with longer subjects and more intricate counterpoint. The second part of the collection, in F major, begins with a fugue that is more chromatic and dissonant than the previous ones. This sets the tone for the rest of the collection, which features more daring harmonic progressions and unexpected modulations. Despite their complexity, the "Kleine Fugen" are still accessible to listeners and performers today. They are a testament to Telemann's skill as a composer and his ability to write music that is both technically challenging and musically satisfying.

More....