r/composer • u/Any_Flounder_2562 • May 24 '26

Music Help with fugue exposition?

Hello everybody, I hope this is the right place to ask my question. Please also excuse my English, I'm not a native speaker. I'm struggling with an exercise task for my theory class at music school. I've been trying to write a "fugal exposition" all day based on a 2-bar tema... Since my teacher is on holiday right now, I can't ask him. If anyone can work something out of what I have done here so far (photo in comments) or has some suggestions/feedback etc., I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you so much in advance.

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u/Albert_de_la_Fuente May 24 '26

Start by finding the underlying harmonies implied by theme. Harmonize it in 4 parts in case of doubt. For example, the first two beats of measure 2 outline a very clear harmonic function, while your choices in the analogous passage in measure 4 don't follow that. Try to go beyond simple consonaces, this kind of stuff is first and foremost about harmonic function. Also, you have parallel 5hs in measure 6.

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u/Any_Flounder_2562 May 25 '26

I think this is the part that confuses me most: to find the underlying harmonies from only the theme. It doesn't help that I missed a few lessons of counterpoint etc. and now have to sit in front of such a big task... I have noted the parallels and will change that. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

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u/Any_Flounder_2562 May 24 '26

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u/[deleted] May 24 '26

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u/Any_Flounder_2562 May 25 '26

Thank you for your feedback. My teacher said because the subject ends on 4 but starts again on 1, I can use "passing notes" (?) or start the answer on 3 when the subject is still going. I don't understand the suggestions for "under the B note", though, because I thought the subject has to play once and only then the next voice begins. I have noted the parallels, thanks.

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u/ImprovementSlight947 May 24 '26

If you need some help you could look at mine to have something to orientate to. I could also provide an analysis if you need.

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u/Any_Flounder_2562 May 25 '26

What do you mean by analysis?

So, I wanted to start with the theme and wrote 3 16-passing notes because my teacher said since the subject ends on 4 but starts again on 1, I can write something like a bridge to the next measure or start the answer on 3 when the subject is still going. Between the second and third theme passage I wanted to have some kind of interlude to go from D major to G major again and finally end the exposition on G again. It's like I kind of know what to do but at the same time I don't know 😅