This article is part of a series:

• Read about the entire Well-Tempered Clavier
• Read about the corresponding prelude to this fugue

Introduction

This fugue has the difficult task of following up one of the most famous and beautiful works in classical music. It succeeds by mixing naive simplicity with complex and winding compositional techniques. It's use of stretto (definition below) gives it the endearing nickname of "the stretto fugue".

Terms

• Fugue: A Baroque compositional device where voices imitate a subject in a structured way
• Exposition: The initial section of a fugue, where voices enter one at a time by stating the subject
• Stretto: A section in a fugue where two or more voices state the subject overlapping in time
• Cadence: An ending to a piece or section, including melodies and harmonies that create a sense of resolution

Listening Guide