Fugato Entry: A musical passage that incorporates fugue-like elements within a non-fugal composition, utilizing imitation but typically not sustaining a full fugue structure.

Context and Significance

Fugato entry is significant in music for adding complexity and texture to compositions. It allows composers to introduce contrapuntal techniques without committing to a full fugue. This technique is often found in symphonies, chamber music, and operas, where it provides a moment of intellectual engagement and contrast within larger, more homophonic structures. The use of fugato adds depth and interest, showcasing the composer’s skill in weaving intricate musical lines.

Historical Background

The concept of fugato entry emerged during the Baroque period, when the fugue was a dominant form. Composers like J.S. Bach and Handel utilized fugato passages to introduce complexity within their larger works. As music evolved into the Classical and Romantic eras, composers like Mozart and Beethoven continued to employ fugato sections, appreciating the dramatic and intellectual weight they could add to a composition without the rigor of a full fugue.

Examples

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 features a fugato entry in the second movement, where the strings introduce a theme that is imitated and developed by other sections of the orchestra. Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, known as the “Jupiter Symphony,” also showcases a skilful use of fugato in the final movement, blending the technique seamlessly into the overall structure. These examples demonstrate how fugato can enhance the complexity and cohesiveness of a piece.

Related Terms

Fugue: A compositional technique characterized by systematic imitation of a principal theme.

Counterpoint: A method of composing with two or more independent melodic lines.

Imitation: The repetition of a melody or phrase in different voices or instruments.

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