- Fuge für die Orgel
[5:1]
A 2-measure chromatic fugue subject with a recognizable 3-note component is presented both rectus (right-side-up) and inversus (up-side-down),
(Hauptwerk: Flauto 8' + Gamba 8' + Oktav 4' + Oktav 2') some softer interludes on the Hinterwerk (Grossgedeckt 8' + Salicional 8' + Flut d'Amour 4')
over an organ point (Pedal: Subbass 16' + Oktavbass 8', otherwise coupled to the Hinterwerk) provide welcome relief from the sternness. The key
changes from 7 flats to 2 sharps about halfway through and then back again, so smoothly one wouldn't think about it if one weren't looking at the
score. On the last page, the three notes are used in both eighths and quarters, which I tried to emphasize, and then Brahms makes use of them in
staccato with an extra eighth rest, with the rest of the fugue subject in dotted quarters again interrupted by quarter rests. The work was published
in 1864, much earlier than his other organ music, possibly it is so dark because of the death of his friend Robert Schumann.
Instrument:
F. X. Engelfried Organ, Gönningen/Baden-Württemberg/Germany (1844) -
Samples by Prof. Helmut Maier
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Audio track was created with Hauptwerk v. 1 software
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