THE STUDY OF FUGUE

Alfred Mann’s classic study of the theory and practice of fugue—that most intricate expression of the complex language of Western music—comprises two parts. The first is a comprehensive historical survey of writings on the fugue, while the second explores in depth the four 18th-century studies which are its classical presentations.

In Part One, Dr. Mann discusses in detail, with many examples, the works of all principal writers on fugal theory (Vicentino, Zarlino, Rameau, etc.), from the beginning of fugal teaching (about 1350) to the present. Following the book’s chronological organization, the reader may examine the origins and follow the development of all concepts, rules and practices of fugue through the centuries.

Part Two presents major excerpts from the four works which became the basis of all later texts, and, therefore, of the study of fugue today. They are:

Gradus ad Parnassum [Steps to Parnassus], J. J. Fux (1725)
Abhandlung von der Fuge [A Treatise on Fugue], F. W. Marpurg (1753-54)
Grundliche Anweisung zur Komposition [A Manual of the Fundamental Principles of Composition], J. C. Albrechts- berger (1790)
Esemplare o sia saggio fondamentale prattico di contrappunto fugato [A Fundamental and Practical Essay on Fugal Counterpoint], Padre Martini (1775)

“A thorough and penetrating work.”—William J. Mitchell, Columbia University

“A major contribution. . . indeed the best published yet. “—Curt Sachs

Unabridged Dover (1987) republication of the work published by Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, N.J., 1958, and reprinted, with a new preface, by W. W. Norton, New York, 1965. Index. Bibliography. Notes. Preface to the Dover Edition. 352pp. 5 3/8 x 8 1/2 Paperbound.

ISBN 0-486-25439-9