2. A tonal answer is required when
The subject has scale degree 5 at or near
the beginning
The subject modulates
3. Why a tonal answer?
To keep the exposition from modulating
out of control
If a subject modulated to V, its answer would
modulate to its V, which would be V of V, or
II.
• C Major Subject, G Major Answer- modulates to
its V, which is D.
To keep the exposition in the tonic
Intervals are modified to maintain the tonic
4. Some guidelines
The place in the subject where the
dominant occurs will be modified in the
answer
It is moved to the tonic
Scale degree 2 will become scale degree 1
Some common interval alterations
2nd <--> 3rd
4th <--> 5th
5. Textbook, pg. 9: Ex. 2
The subject begins on the dominant
Rather than transposing this by a 5th (D), the
answer begins with a C (tonic).
The leap of a 5th becomes the leap of a
4th, keeping the answer in the tonic
6. Textbook, pg. 9: Ex. 3
The first leap is of a 5th in the subject
This interval is changed to a 4th in the
answer
That’s all this subject requires
7. There is not an easy rule to
memorize
You just need to get
familiar with subjects
and answer. Go
through both books of
the WTC for the best
examples.
8. Write the tonal answer
These are the subjects
from the previous
lecture.
9. WTC Book 1, Fugue 2
Don’t forget, the subject will start in the
dominant
This will change the key signature (accidentals)
slightly
11. How did you do?
There’s a lot to think
about, so don’t worry if
it wasn’t perfect. Let’s
do another.
12. WTC Book 1, Fugue 3
The first pitch will need to be altered
The first interval will also need to be altered
This will all keep it in the tonic
14. To review…
The pitch which is analogous to the
dominant in the subject, may need to be
altered to the tonic in the answer
Linear intervals may need to be altered
2 <--> 3
4 <--> 5
15. This takes practice
I wasn’t kidding about
going through the
WTC. There are 48
fugues. Enjoy.
