Kunst der Fuge - Art of Fugue
Lecture Series by Dr.
Vladimir Chaloupka
University of
Washington, April/May 2004
7-9 PM in Geballe Auditorium (Physics/Astronomy A102)
Lecture 1: April 30
[ ] Why did Beethoven not write a 3rd movement to the
piano
Sonata Op. 111? We will follow Thomas Mann's Doktor Faustus in discussing
this question. Connection to the Art of Fugue will become apparent as
we proceed.
[ ] Kunst
der
Fuge as Triple Art: the art of 1. composing / 2. playing / 3.
listening
to a fugue
[ ] The Physics
Department Experimental
PC-based Pipeless Pipe Organ will be unveiled, and
Fugue #1 performed.
INTERMISSION
[ ] elements of counterpoint explained and
demonstrated (Theme,
voices, countersubject, multiple
fugue, stretto, augmentation and diminution, pitch inversion,
counterpoint inversion, pedal point, ...).
Physics reasons for not doubling the organ pedal by 16' stops when
playing a fugue will be explained, and a "physicist's piano roll"
notation will be demonstrated.
[ ] Fugue #1 performed again
Lecture 2: May 7
Each of the 14 fugues analyzed, with demonstrations. The
questions of
the instrument choice, dissonance, fusion, melody vs. harmony, and
interpretation will be discussed.The lecture
will end by asking
the question: "Why is the Art of Fugue unfinished? (or is it?)"
Lecture 3: May 14
Various Bach myths will be disputed. The genetic aspect of the Bach phenomenon will be pointed
out, and its spiritual aspect will be compared to the thesis of
"Amadeus" (the
play/movie). Finally, a new answer will be given to the question of the
Unfinished Fugue.
INTERMISSION
[ ] Fugues 1 - 6 performed
(the remaining eight fugues, including the giant unfinished Fugue #14,
are on the program of the recital at the St.
Joseph pipe organ, May 23,
2004).
[ ] In conclusion, the ultimate
meaning of Bach - the connections to GEBH
and to JANUS
- will be spelled out.