Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

Jul 13, 1839

Publication Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

4:45

Felix Mendelssohn's Fugue for organ in E minor, also known as the "Fugue in E minor," is a masterpiece of the Baroque era. Mendelssohn composed this piece in 1837, and it was premiered in the same year in Berlin. The Fugue is a single movement piece that lasts for approximately six minutes. The Fugue for organ in E minor is a prime example of Mendelssohn's mastery of counterpoint. The piece is written in the key of E minor, which is a common key for fugues. The Fugue begins with a simple theme played by the organ's pedals. The theme is then repeated by the hands, and the fugue begins to build as the theme is passed between the different voices of the organ. The Fugue is structured in a traditional fugue form, with an exposition, development, and recapitulation. The exposition introduces the theme and its variations in different voices. The development section explores the theme further, with the different voices playing off each other in complex counterpoint. The recapitulation brings the piece full circle, with the theme returning in its original form. One of the most striking characteristics of the Fugue for organ in E minor is its use of chromaticism. Mendelssohn employs chromaticism to create tension and drama in the piece. The use of chromaticism also adds a sense of complexity to the piece, as the different voices of the organ move in and out of different keys. Another characteristic of the Fugue is its use of pedal points. A pedal point is a sustained note played by the organ's pedals while the other voices move around it. Mendelssohn uses pedal points to create a sense of stability and grounding in the piece, even as the other voices move in and out of different keys. Overall, the Fugue for organ in E minor is a stunning example of Mendelssohn's skill as a composer. The piece showcases his mastery of counterpoint, his use of chromaticism, and his ability to create drama and tension in his music. It remains a beloved piece in the organ repertoire to this day.

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