In January, the Postludes concluding worship will focus on the baroque contrapuntal form known as the fugue: a melody presented alone and then followed by successive repetitions at various pitch levels. This form became popular as one of the most structured forms of music during the baroque period and was used extensively in choral and organ compositions by such composers as Dietrich Buxtehude, George F. Handel, and Johann S. Bach. 

Our selection of fugues for the month will begin with the Fugue in E flat of Johann S. Bach, commonly known as the “St. Anne” fugue because of its use of the tune ST. ANNE, to which we most often sing the text “Our God, Our Help In Ages Past” (#210 in our Hymnal). The text refers to Psalm 90 and is usually associated with this time of year as it offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, present, and future and to acknowledge the Lord God as our hope and help for all time. 

The fugue is in three parts, one of which will be played on each of the first three Sundays in January. The music opens with a bold fugal statement of the ST. ANNE tune (January 2), followed by a second section using a new melody but maintaining traces of the first (January 9). This is followed by a third section, which introduces another new melody while also maintaining the first two (January 16). The form is thus a triple fugue, that is, three different melodies using the fugue format, that concludes by using all three melodies simultaneously.  Perhaps Bach chose to compose a fugue using three fugue melodies to represent the Trinity symbolically, bringing this masterful work to a close in glory to the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

On the fourth Sunday, January 23, the Postlude will feature the Bach Fugue in C minor.  The central fugue melody, known as the “subject,” is followed by a counter subject of contrasting material. These are treated in various ways, finally building to a grand finale.

The fifth Sunday, January 30, will feature the majestic Fugue in F major of Bach. It should be noted that the structured fugue form is usually preceded by music of a more freestyle form, with titles such as Prelude, Toccata or Fantasia. By the way, the word “fugue” is defined as “to follow or chase,” as in the movie and television series entitled The Fugitive, in which a guy is chased all over creation by a clever detective. Musically, the melody or subject seems to be chased by its own repetitions, like a glorified round or canon. 

A New Year’s wish for each: May the love of God, like the fugue, chase you through not only this month but all year long!

D. E. Dillard