What is the second theme of a fugue called?

Answer 1

The main theme of a fugue is easy to identify because it appears alone at the beginning of the piece. It varies in length from a few notes to a few measures. Then the theme will reappear in one of the other voices and usually starting on another pitch. The first voice moves in harmony with it. The other voices (fugues can have three or four independent voices, and some have five) come in one by one, each starting with a repetition of the theme. The voices continue to develop independently of one another horizontally while they support an unfolding harmony vertically. Throughout, the theme appears with different forms and modifications, and they overlap among the voices. The voices are often referred to as soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

The theme maintains its importance to the fugue, no matter the voice that is presenting it. This is very different from simple songs, for example, where there is a single melody and an accompaniment beneath it that is not independent but always in support of the melodic line.

Listen to any of the fugues from Bach's Well Tempered Clavier and you will soon get the idea. It will be even better if you can read the music while listening. But be forewarned. If you have any interest in this kind of music, you will be powerless to stop until you have heard it all.

Answer 2

"Middle section" the first is an Exposition and the last is the Finale

Answer 3

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