Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

Apr 2, 1845

Average_duration

:

3:54

Felix Mendelssohn's Fugue for organ in B flat major, also known as the "St. Anne" Fugue, was composed in 1840. It was premiered by Mendelssohn himself on the organ of St. Paul's Cathedral in London on August 6, 1840. The piece is a single movement work, lasting approximately six minutes. The fugue is written in the key of B flat major and is based on a theme from the hymn "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" by William Croft. The theme is introduced in the pedal and is then taken up by the manuals in turn. The fugue is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with each voice entering in imitation of the theme. The piece is also notable for its use of chromaticism, particularly in the development section. The fugue is structured in three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation. In the exposition, the theme is presented in the pedal and then taken up by the manuals in turn. The development section features a variety of contrapuntal techniques, including stretto and inversion. The recapitulation brings back the theme in its original form, with the pedal taking up the theme once again. Overall, Mendelssohn's Fugue for organ in B flat major is a masterful example of the fugue form, showcasing the composer's skill in counterpoint and his ability to create a work of great complexity and beauty. Its use of a well-known hymn tune as its basis also adds to its accessibility and appeal.

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