Exposition and first episode

The exposition is based on subject (S1):

The voices enter in the order alto, soprano, bass and tenor. The exposition is followed by a short episode:

First presentation of both subjects in D minor

The first presentation of both subjects is in measure 35. Subject S1 in the tenor, the subject of the Art of the Fugue (S2) in the soprano. The episode that follows leads us to the F major key:

Second presentation of both subjects in F major

In measure 45 both subject (S1 alto, S2 tenor) are presented in the key of F major. Subjects are inverted at the twelve. An episode brings us back to D minor:

Third presentation of both subjects in D minor

In measure 59 subject S1 is presented in the bass and subject S2 in the alto. The key is D minor. The episode modulates using a cycle of fifths to A minor:

Fourth presentation of both subjects in A minor

Both subjects reappear in measure 73 in the key of A minor using inversion at the twelve. The episode returns to the D minor key:

Fifth presentation of both subjects in D minor

Back in D minor both subjects appear in the outer voices. The soprano presents subject S1 transported an ascending fifth harmonically similar to the inversion at the twelve. A short episode modulates to G minor:

Sixth presentation of both subjects in G minor

In measure 99 both subjects - inverted at the twelve - appear in the inner voices in the key of G minor. The longest episode of the fugue takes us back to D minor:

Last presentation of both subjects in D minor

The final presentation of both subjects is in measure 119. A short coda ends the fugue:

Complete Fugue

Recordings:

• Robert Hill, harpsichord
• Glen Gould, piano
• Art of Brass
• Canadian Brass