Fugue in A minor Nº3.

To this point, I can only say: I hadn't ever been as confused in my fugue-composing experience as I am right now. It's the third fugue I've been able finish in a single week, and I still can't understand why is that, having been in utter stagnation for almost three months before. Anyways, I'm really glad I have now been able to finish this one, and hopefully I won't turn into lack of inspiration back again, so that I'll be able to continue composing at this rate!

By the way, I was hoping in case anyone could give me some insight on whether this is a fugue or an invention. As far as I intended it to be, it lacks any form of countersubject (I think), so I'm unsure whether I should continue callling it a fugue or rather turn around to the term invention instead. Also, hope you listeners like it, of course!

EDIT: improved the final cadence.

I like the evolution that the end before the final little flourish at the end where it is sort of prelude like. 

You are very much selling yourself short. I would certainly call this a fugue as at least to my ears there is development of the ideas and how they move around. and this has a brilliant and very clear use of the initial theme in the bass, which I love. it seems with each fugue you write I enjoy them more and more! honestly other than general impressions on the music I am not a good enough contrapuntist in order to actively critique this piece.I enjoy it very much though of course. best of luck in overcoming the block. If it is to do with quarantine I recommend going just on a short walk through a nearby woods or something. if possible of course.

8 hours ago, Bradley Scarff said:

I like the evolution that the end before the final little flourish at the end where it is sort of prelude like. 

You are very much selling yourself short. I would certainly call this a fugue as at least to my ears there is development of the ideas and how they move around. and this has a brilliant and very clear use of the initial theme in the bass, which I love. it seems with each fugue you write I enjoy them more and more! honestly other than general impressions on the music I am not a good enough contrapuntist in order to actively critique this piece.I enjoy it very much though of course. best of luck in overcoming the block. If it is to do with quarantine I recommend going just on a short walk through a nearby woods or something. if possible of course.

 

Thank you very much for such a quick response! By the time I had just finished posting the fugue I saw your comment, but it was nearly 3:00 am and my eyelids felt like slabs, so I couldn't answer immediately.

The main doubt was whether the lack of a fixed countersubject could affect the terminology in regards to this piece, but it seems to me you're right, so I probably won't be changing the title anytime soon. Also, to some extent I felt like the cadenza was a bit off, since I'm no keyboardist. I've seen plenty of Bach's keyboard fugues (particularly those lacking a prelude preceding them) with similar virtuosistic flourishes, so I decided to (failingly) imitate them. I don't think I'll remove it though.

In regards to the block, I've been already able to check myself how much of a good solution to go outside for a walk is, and to be honest, personally I think that might be the reason why I've gotten to finish all of these fugues in a single week (having recently gone for some walk nearby), as earlier restrictions were slightly ameliorated were I llive.

And finally, again countless thanks for your review, and hopefullly I'll be able to compose more often as time goes on. Thank you!

Wow, very nice counterpoint. Congratulations!