Johann Sebastian Bach ： Fuge a-moll BWV 958

This fugue is compelling for its concentrated writing, with several voices passing a single subject from one to another. After the subject is introduced, the entries of the individual voices overlap, while imitation and the interweaving of counterpoint propel the music forward. Listening for the contrast between passages in which the subject appears and those in which the voices move more freely makes the overall flow easier to grasp. In performance, it is important to balance the voices carefully so that the subject does not become buried. Clear articulation and thoughtful fingering help preserve the independence of each line; maintaining the flow of the beat brings out the work’s tight construction and momentum. Avoiding an overly mechanical uniformity between the voices, and allowing natural breathing in response to their changing overlaps, also helps reveal its musical appeal.