Free BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A fugue subject begins on the dominant note and prominently features a leap to the tonic. In the corresponding answer, the initial dominant-to-tonic leap is adjusted to be a tonic-to-subdominant leap to maintain the tonic key. What is this type of answer called?

Accepted Answer

A Tonal Answer

Answer

A Tonal Answer is one in which some intervals of the subject are altered to maintain the overall tonality of the piece, especially to avoid a strong modulation to the dominant at the very beginning. A Real Answer is an exact, literal transposition of the subject to the dominant.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the contrapuntal device known as 'stretto' in a fugue?

Accepted Answer

The subject entries in different voices begin to overlap before the previous entry has finished.

Answer

Stretto (from the Italian for 'to tighten') is the overlapping of subject entries in a fugue. This device creates a sense of increased intensity and contrapuntal density, and is often found in the developmental or final sections of a fugue.

Question 3

In a standard four-voice fugal exposition, what is the most typical pattern of key relationships for the voice entries?

Accepted Answer

Tonic - Dominant - Tonic - Dominant

Answer

The standard fugal exposition alternates between the subject (S) in the tonic and the answer (A) in the dominant. For four voices, this creates the pattern S(Tonic) - A(Dominant) - S(Tonic) - A(Dominant), ensuring a clear establishment of the main key and its relationship to the dominant.

Question 4

An analyst is examining a two-voice passage. The upper voice moves from E4 to F#4, while the lower voice moves from C4 to B3. What type of contrapuntal motion is occurring between the voices?

Accepted Answer

Contrary motion

Answer

Contrary motion occurs when two voices move in opposite directions. In this example, the upper voice ascends (E to F#) while the lower voice descends (C to B), demonstrating contrary motion.

Question 5

What is the primary function of an episode within the structure of a fugue?

Accepted Answer

To provide transitional and modulatory material between statements of the subject.

Answer

Episodes are sections in a fugue where a complete entry of the subject is not present. They serve as transitions, often utilizing motives or fragments from the subject or countersubject, and are frequently used to modulate from the key of one subject entry to the next.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

Free BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Counterpoint and Fugal Analysis Questions and Answers