Fugue for Sycra (Op. 35)

The fugue subject is based on the username of a friend of mine, "Sycra," on YouTube.

I have used the French method of the musical cryptogram to encode "SYCRA" as musical pitches. (More info on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_cryptogram#French .)

S = E
Y = D
C = C
R = D
E = E
A = A
N = G

The "E" and "N" are just arbitrary namings that make sense phonetically with the extra inserted notes.

This fugue uses stretto in three ways: (i) rectus with rectus, (iii) inversion with inversion, and (ii) rectus with inversion.

See if you can count the number of times the subject is heard. :)

The score can be found on my website at http://www.audiomuse.ca under the "Work" page. Comments and suggestions are welcome.


.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sycra
• fugue
• counterpoint
• bach
• contrapuntal
• original
• composition
• piano
• lo
• vincent

[dakrushel]

Um... question: where does one learn to write fugues or even counter point for that matter? I'm a music student and I've taken all the music theory I can take at college and counter point hasn't even been mentioned and I'd love to starting writing fugues.

[zeryx28]

@dakrushel I am not sure if fugue composition is taught in university anymore, since it is such an ancient form (at least not where I study), and "supposedly" has few applications in this modern world. I would recommend looking at Bach's works and analyses. But before that, you need a strong background in harmony and counterpoint. I learned those through private lessons on the theoretical component of the Royal Conservatory of Music system in Canada. Where do you go to school for music?

[MrEbaby2010]

You care talent, gorgeous and handsome. Are you an emigrant from HK? I ahve difficult in downloading this peice. Can you help me? Thanks. 多謝!

[zeryx28]

@MrEbaby2010 Haha thanks. No I was born in Canada, but my parents are from HK. The score isn't on my website, so if you would like a copy, please PM me your e-mail and I'd gladly send it to you. Cheers.

[zeryx28]

@MrEbaby2010 Actually, I just checked my website and yes, the score is there. When you say "difficulty in downloading this piece" do you mean the score or an audio recording, or the slideshow video itself?

[Ilkeyrion]

I"m working on several fugues, too, and I can say that this is one of the better fugues I've heard! I generally write for strings (I'm a violinist) but have tried piano, too. Unfortunately I do tend to have problems when I get stuck, and often I can't get more than one minute out of a subject. Any advice?

[zeryx28]

@Ilkeyrion Kudos for writing fugues. I have the same problem of length of the composition when it comes to fugue. I find it helps to lay out an overall structure and plan each of the entries well. Depending on how versatile your subject is, the number of different configurations may vary. Example: Exposition, bridge, subject accompanied with bridge material, ..., re-exposition, subject with pedal. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier provides lots of innovative ideas. Cheers.

[peteralaric]

ummm... Bach? :?P i'm just having trouble processing the idea that anyone alive today could craft something of such intricacy and perfection. Vincent, you've outdone yourself again! :D any advice for the amateur fugue writer?

[tocalpianix]

The pedal makes a very interesting end to this beautiful fugue. The use of a cryptogrammic fugue theme sounds particularly familiar to me! Extremely well written, congratulations. I look forward to listen to your next composition.

Daniel

[setbyserver]

Very good.

[IldivoRenatello]

played faster it would also be a gigue..,-)

[MrEbaby2010]

@zeryx28 I ahve just downloaded the hard copy (score).  Thanks for your beautiful composition. BTW, do you speak Cantonese and write Chinese. If yes, let's communcate in Chinese next time. for a more vivid discussion. In factr, I am deeply impressed by your fugal writing 'Nokia fugue'.

[MrEbaby2010]

@zeryx28  I ahve just downloaded the hard copy (score). Thanks for your beautiful composition. BTW, do you speak Cantonese and write Chinese. If yes, let's communcate in Chinese next time. for a more vivid discussion.