Little Fugue in G minor

J. S. BachBWV 578

Key

Gm

Time

C

Tempo

♩=100

AO focus

AO3

Form

Four-voice fugue for organ — the 'little' is in contrast to Bach's larger Fantasia and Fugue in G minor BWV 542. Compact subject (4 bars), four voice entries (SATB by register), conventional exposition + episodes.

Teaching points

• Subject — four bars, ascending then descending, fits a hand-and-a-half on the organ keyboard. Memorable
• Voice entries — SATB by register (high to low). The bass entry is on the pedals
• AO3: a perfect first fugue to analyse. Identify subject entries vs episodes; chart the harmonic plan
• Practical: a Grade 7 organ standard. Pedal part is straightforward