Storytelling.
Antagonist, protagonist, exposition, rising action, climax, denouement, and other literary terms work well for me when I try and think of the characteristics of a composition.
I'm not going to slam you over the use of the word "modern" or "contemporary", but provide you with an example of a terrific fugue, and a stunning performance of it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga_280If08A