WordLens

fugue

1 of 1noun
/fjug/
Forms:fugues
1

a classical piece of music with one or two simple repeated themes that develop into a polyphonic pattern which is more sophisticated

C2Learn more on Wikipedia

A fugue is a type of musical composition characterized by the systematic repetition and development of a main theme, called the "subject". In a fugue, the subject is introduced by one voice or instrument and then imitated and elaborated upon by others in a series of overlapping entries. This intricate process creates a complex and interwoven texture. Fugues often have multiple voices or parts, each contributing to the development of the theme in a structured and counterpoint-rich manner.

  • Bach's "The Art of Fugue" is a masterpiece that exemplifies the complexity and beauty of fugue writing.
  • During the concert, the pianist's performance of the fugue was a highlight, demonstrating both technical skill and interpretive depth.
  • The composer introduced the main theme, which was then ingeniously developed through the intricate structure of the fugue.
  • In music class, we studied how a fugue layers multiple voices, each entering with the same motif but developing independently.
  • The organist's fingers flew across the keys as they played the intricate fugue, each voice weaving in and out with perfect precision.
2

a temporary, dreamlike state of altered consciousness that may last hours or days

  • After the accident, he slipped into a fugue and could not respond to questions.
  • The patient experienced a fugue following severe emotional stress.
  • Doctors noted that the fugue lasted for nearly 36 hours.
  • Friends were worried when he remained in a fugue for most of the weekend.
  • The fugue left him disconnected from reality, though he seemed calm.
3

a dissociative disorder in which a person forgets their identity and may travel to begin a new life, with no memory of the former life or of events happening at the moment

  • He was diagnosed with a fugue after disappearing for a week and assuming a new identity.
  • During the fugue, she traveled across the country without recalling her former life.
  • Family members were shocked when he returned from a fugue with no memory of them.
  • The case study described a rare fugue in which the patient assumed a completely new identity.
  • The fugue episode lasted several days before he was found by authorities.
Synonyms:
psychogenic fugue