Expert: Donald - 8/25/2006

Question
If i use the edition of ABRSM urtext, there are no articulation marking on the score, i know it is close to the original score but how can i actually add the right articulation for the subject of the fugue, how to phrase it and the touch or value of each note? I heard a theory said that just play legato for the step notes and play separately for the leap note, i still get a bit confuse to apply it when i really put it into context because there are all different. please give me some guide to interpret bach's fugue correctly and effectively

Answer
I am so impressed that you are delving into performance practice in regard to Bach's fugues. Aren't they a wealth of musical exploration?! You are on the right track in approaching each phrase with care. Each subject should be clearly articulated. It might be a bit too general to state that all steps should be legato and all skips marcato, but it is a pretty good place to start. To begin with, you should fully analyze the fugue, identifying each subject, answer, and episode. Don't forget to look for inversions as well as direct statements of the subject. After you have done the analysis, divide the piece into sections for study. Obviously, the more voices you have at one time, the more complex the articulations become. It might not be practical, but try isolating the subjects and answers as you play. They are the most important motives, and your performance will be enhanced if they come out of the texture a bit. Separation is important at times, but I hesitate to say that each skip should be detached. You might want to look at some articles on Baroque phrasing to find some specific suggestions. I know that Robert Shaw did a great deal of work in this area regarding choral music, and some of the ideas might carry over to the keyboard. Helmuth Rilling has also done a great deal of work on Bach, and though it is largly choral and orchestral, the principles of phrasing and performance practice should be the same. I'm sorry that I don't have a wealth of information specific to the fugues in regard to articulation. Rest assured that you are asking the right questions. Please look into this further literature that I mentioned and see if it helps in some way.

Congratulations to you for tackling the fugues! You must be a very talented musician. Please continue your study and enjoy the music!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Donald