DEN GALANTA FUGAN

Abstract

This research project deals with the galant aspects of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s eight keyboard fugues (Fk 31) from a performer’s perspective. The galant style is said to be a reaction against the learned style and music based on counterpoint – such as fugues. My research idea was to investigate the eight keyboard fugues from a galant point of view, and to perform them focusing on style, character and expression. Their stylistic qualities were investigated through questions like: What galant elements are found in W. F. Bach’s eight keyboard fugues (Fk 31), is it even possible for a fugue also to be galant, what does a galant expression at the organ sound like, and what did 18th century musicians mean by the word galant? In a literature based study on the word galant (chapter 2) some of the most important 18th century sources on style and expressivity are quoted and commented on. This study ends with conclusions and a list of style characteristics. In chapter 3, these are applied on the case W. F. Bach and his eight fugues (Fk 31). Notes from the learning process are included and the result is presented in a recorded organ performance of each fugue. Lastly, comments on the project altogether and on the nature of the subject are made.