Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Most academic discussions of fugue either seek to find a single unifying formal principle for all fugues, or deny the existence of commonly occurring form-types in the vast repertory of fugal compositions. In the absence of any definitive theory of fugal form, fugal analysis tends to concentrate on details of contrapuntal procedure, with considerably less emphasis given to formal aspects. This study will focus on the overall form of the fugues in the first book of Das wohltemperirte Clavier. I have proceeded under the assumption that the form of fugal compositions is articulated in essentially the same manner as holds for other genres, and that these formal structures can be ascertained with minimal reference to the technicalitles of fugal and contrapuntal procedure. By this method, it will be found that most of the fugues of WTC I are relatively simple bipartite or tripartite structures, and that there are many structural similarities between them. My investigation of WTC I reveals that the bipartite fugues outnumber the tripartite fugues by more than three to one, possibly as a result of Bach's extensive experience with the composition of stylized suites and dances between 1715 and 1723. Correspondences between the bipartite fugues and binary dance forms are clearly evident. In view of the considerable number of shared formal characteristics and methods of articulation displayed by the fugues of WTC I, it seems evident that Bach composed them with a clear formal plan in mind and that he often desired an effective delineation of the various formal divisions to aid the listener's perception and understanding of this music. / 2031-01-01

abstract: The core element of this research paper is an analysis of the B-flat minor prelude and fugue BWV 867. The author’s analysis is then compared with the main contributors to Bach’s analytical studies. An understanding of the work’s structure, together with its motivic and harmonic details, help the performer develop an interpretive approach to the work. Significant Bach scholars, including David Ledbetter and Peter Williams, are used as the source for the additional works to be studied. These scholars also mention close associates of Bach who offer additional insight into his music: Kirnberger and Weiss. The paper includes a brief discussion of the opening chorus fugue BWV 64, instrumental prelude to the cantata BWV 106, chorale prelude BWV 721, and Tombeau sur la Mort de Mr Comte de Logy by Weiss, as they relate to the B-flat minor prelude and fugue. In addition, the analysis provides materials on how the elements of the work relate to the Doctrine of Affections. From the B-flat minor prelude and fugue, the harmonic progressions and figuration are examined from the point of view of the Doctrine. The research also examines the fugue subject, with its unusual leap of a minor 9th, to its structural connection to the opening chorus fugue of BWV 64, and its ties to the Doctrine. Through the analysis of the B-flat minor prelude and fugue and a comparison to works by Bach that are stylistically connected to this work, the author offers insights into the music and its relationship to works that have a sacred text association. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2020