Description
A fugue written while Mozart was studying Baroque counterpoint. Around 1782 in Vienna, Mozart frequented the circle of Baron van Swieten, becoming familiar with the works of Bach and Handel and turning to fugue writing himself. This piece carries the traces of that study.
In G minor and 4/4, a tightly knit structure unfolds within a settled sound, the subject chasing itself from voice to voice. A subject stated in one voice is handed on to the others in turn, and the whole piece is built up as they overlap: this is the basic mechanism of a fugue.
It is rated intermediate. Although it lasts only about two minutes with 614 notes, it calls for the concentration to let each voice's independent movement be heard, and it is useful for studying counterpoint. Bringing out each entry of the subject clearly lets the listener hear the close-knit fugal structure. The range is narrow, about three octaves from F♯2 to G5, fitting comfortably on a 61-key keyboard. Follow the subject entries in the score view and slow the playback to hear each voice separately.
Contrapuntal works influenced by Bach, where each composer's individuality shines through a strict formal structure.
Browse all songs in Fugues →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, and achieved fame as a child prodigy before establishing his career in Vienna. In a life of only 35 years, he produced masterpieces across symphonies, operas, chamber music, and keyboard works. His style combines clarity and formal balance with rich emotional depth. This site includes movements of the Sonatas K. 545 and K. 331, the Fantasia in D minor, K. 397, and several fugues.
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