Robert Schumann ： Album fur die Jugend Kleine Fuge in A-Dur Op.68-39

Set in the bright, clear sonority of A major, this compact yet substantial fugue passes a concise subject from voice to voice. The subject introduced at the beginning overlaps through imitation, creating increasingly active contrapuntal motion as the piece unfolds. Its appeal lies in the way the independence of each voice is heard while the whole remains light and finely balanced. In performance, clear articulation that keeps the subject from being obscured and careful control of the balance between voices are essential. Avoid using excessive weight in the fingertips, maintain the flow of the beat, and give even definition to the smaller movements to bring out the transparent sonority. Rather than exaggerating the expression, listen carefully to the voices as they converse; this allows the work’s most engaging features to emerge.