What is a Fugue? Analyzing Bach’s Toccata in E Minor

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Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today’s subject is about the ultimate musical form: The fugue. Even if you don’t know what a fugue is, you’ve heard them many times, from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to Handel’s Messiah. The fugue is actually a technical type of form that can be utilized within compositions. There are also whole movements that are fugal. The master of writing counterpoint and fugues is Johann Sebastian Bach. He could craft such unbelievable compositions of counterpoint, of interweaving lines, that it’s a mathematical wonder that he could create such intricate music. But it’s the joy of the music and the emotional content that is most important!
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[@justaman9564]

I love how much you admire your father, a little jealous by the opportunity gifted from such a role model. It’s very heart warming seeing you reflect on him.

[@asterius4271]

Might just be one of the best videos explaining the gist of a fugue out there, and beautiful performance as well. Thank you!

[@C-Sharpminor]

I would love a more in-depth part 2!

[@OUTBOUND184]

Bach is the supreme genius of all music.

[@linkfiedproductions2246]

He has a higher IQ than Einstein! Really was a genius

[@pugtm1585]

Love this very brainy video. Off-topic: is there a video talking about this interesting piano?

[@Proximo011]

It's a joy to see you play an entire piece :) please bring more :) :)

[@theUrbanJoe]

The complexity of Bach is divine. It’s Heavenly.

[@daviddemuro8954]

Outstanding explanation, thanks Robert! I'm sure many would appreciate a further delving into the topic.

[@ceinwenbran]

Yes please to a part 2! I feel so enthused to study more Bach! You are wonderful! I stood up and applauded after listening to you play!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

So glad you appreciate this - thank you!

[@thud6823]

I just love the way you broke that down! The clarity you give is phenomenal! Your the best!!!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

So glad this clarifies things for you!

[@andrewboyer7544]

Beautiful playing, and like you said emotionally charged. I was raised by a pianist/organist who had me listen to the greats throughout my childhood so I developed an ear for counterpoint and contrapuntal music early on. This is why to this day I feel like the greatest musical disaster of all time was the loss of JSB's music from flooding and war. The number of compositions he wrote for just a church service we will never be able to enjoy is profoundly depressing. What we do have though solidifies my belief he was the greatest musician to date.

[@pianostudy4403]

Just listened to it through my newly refurbished vintage HK tube amp/receiver and KLH speakers-sounded good.

[@tc4245]

I now understand the concept of fugues and inventions better. Thanks Robert. Performance was masterful.

[@haydnschlinger6740]

I am an advanced pianist attempting a set of compositions I call “Im Stil Von Bach,” or “In the Style of Bach,” and of course, that had to include Bach’s famous composition style, the fugue. Attempting to expand my knowledge of it, I stumbled across you. You are such a wonderful teacher, everything explained beautifully and simply (and I can see your enthusiasm, which makes it very entertaining). I could see a beginner understanding this video very well. Thank you so much! Edit: Also, what a wonderful performance! I am attempting to learn the fugue in e minor, and you are such an inspiration!

[@fsdsd1354]

👏👏👏 Not a music student, just wanted a better idea of what a fugue is. 100% delivered. Your teaching talent is so clear and I can't help but appreciate a good teacher! The ideas behind music get so muddled for me when people try to explain what's going on, but your video on Counterpoint and then this presentation was so lucid and head-on, and it was so reinforcing to be understanding your points and your joy as you went along. Heck even _I'm_ motivated to dive deeper into this, which I was sure was beyond me. You have a deft hand, not just playing but teaching too. Thank you very much!

[@billligon4005]

I have listened to a lot of music on YT and some I get the score and try to play. What I found was that some, not all, of the music has to be PLAYED to really enjoy it. In other words the musician gets much, much more enjoyment from playing the music than by listener could ever get.

[@LennartGustafsson-oj9ns]

I just viewed your video "What does it mean to be musical" and this video was also an answer to that question. Maybe the best I have heard you play, very musical and I was really moved by it. So thank you Robert if you read this. I will try to play it myself.

[@bdragon1445]

I wish I could give this 10 likes. It was like I was learning about fugues all over again. Wonderful.

[@bradleystarcevich2758]

Very well taught class in music appreciation. Fantastic video, and performance. Your deep respect for J.S. Bach as well as your love of his music is evident. As for your playing of the Toccata, I’ve heard none better. Bravo!

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Thank you very much!

[@emilalbazi8691]

Mr Bach has brilliantly mastered Baroque, Classic ,Romantic styles and beyond. We call him BACH THE GREAT. thanks for this video sir Emil from Down Under

[@kevinnguyen552]

It takes mastery to play Bach but more to compose such counterpoint!bravo you two! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnmac8084]

Brilliant introduction to fugues and performance, thank you

[@scotimages]

Always wonderful to be taught by an enthusiast who understands the subject. Many thanks!

[@bonniemechefske3838]

Well. I'll be. That explains why I have always been drawn so much to Bach. Who knew there's a name for those songs I like so much. It's called a Fugue! Thank you!! All of your videos are just wonderful and I love your enthusiasm.

[@cantori2]

What a great presentation and performance, Robert. I wish I had you as a music professor in college. Your way of explaining things just makes sense in a easy to understand way. Thank you for this wonderful video and your outstanding work!

[@Parallelfifthsblog]

I've been away from working on huge works for more than 10 years after college, I was teaching little ones, and after some patience and prayer, my long term students are playing 2 and 3 part inventions. Because of this, I'm starting to return to my roots and learn stuff, I'm so thankful for this review as well as this wonderful performance of this Toccata!!! :D

[@jamesditsworth3845]

What a sublime performance - I can' t begin to imagine memorizing that! Bach has always been an elusive composer for me due to the complexity of his music. But your explanation went a long way to helping me out and I loved your introduction to the piece that you played. I think that the deeper you delve into Bach, the greater the appreciation for his genius. Enjoyed the thoughtful and beautiful video. Thanks, Robert.

[@berserker4727]

I love this guy's joy for music and teaching I learned a lot in this video and would love a part 2!

[@bestledisthe]

I love the openness of your piano 😅

[@johnturner4218]

So nicely played! Wonderful to listen to.

[@Feldspar__]

Why am I not surprised he has a grand downstairs and plays Bach on it. Great explanation and demonstration of Fugues.

[@painter1955]

Your performance of the toccata was breath-taking! Powerful!

[@JaySuryavanshiMusic]

Wonderful video! The fugue is *_Bach!_* btw the last piece was brilliantly played!

[@jacobgulmann2564]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@leungmanchi3879]

It will be great if you can film the part 2 in-depth analysis, Robert!

[@starlightsign8666]

Intense video ... bravo!

[@julian73de]

Thank you very much!

[@davidtyler357]

Absolutely amazing, what a treat thank you👏🏻

[@jimbaker4931]

I must say that my three favorite composers are Franz Liszt Chopin and Rachmaninoff however listening to your Exquisite Touch when playing this Toccata opens up a whole new range of musical enjoyment. It was a great video and I enjoyed your playing.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

That is great to hear. There is so much great music to explore from different centuries and countries!

[@moriscoley5328]

As I am going through the Replies and listening to this master teacher, artist play and explain what J.S.Bach did is phenomenal!!! I mean like WOW, what a genius!!! To what a fugue is geez this is Great!!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@moriscoley5328]

Listening to enjoy!!!!!!

[@ShawAnthoni]

Across the waves of time … very well done. Thank you.

[@Bowzmaster1225]

Bach to the Fugueture part II I just had to...

[@marianlevy9232]

Great explanation of Bach’s genius..great performance.. I’m obsessed with the fugue from the e minor toccata.. learning it now

[@annmanning1655]

Thank you so much for your video. ,it have really helped to give me a better insight into the Fugue and how amazing Bach is. Your playing was wonderful and your dedication enjoyment and passion for music is inspiring. Thank you for sharing👏🏻😀

[@leitosl]

This is great!!!!

[@felixjordanguitar]

beautiful explanation and playing. Bach used this style to tribute the Trinity

[@cswalker21]

Neat. Just the other day I was wondering what a fugue is.

[@MrPat9514]

That's the Toccata I played for my audition! What a masterpiece :)

[@kovalanpachu]

Thank you. Invested your time and efforts for others

[@LivingPianosVideos]

I am very happy that their are people like you who appreciate the piano as I do!

[@jameslatourrette2327]

So Bach was an inventor. All I learned about in school was a fugue state, but I forgot where I was at the time. I like that Bach made inventions.

[@rodolfo2529]

Best video Mr. Estrin! Please make a part 2. Great playing too.

[@ArtRodent]

I missed this gem first time around.

[@nyamutography]

Thanks for helping me understand more of Bach's genius!

[@tc4245]

YES! PART 2! LET'S GO INTO THE WEEDS!

[@user-kj9qz3ee8s]

Thank you sir! Vote for part 2！

[@tedmichaels]

It's a pleasure to hear you play.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Thank you! I have more performance videos coming-

[@vincentlombardo9797]

compliments!!!

[@danrycroft6757]

Thanks!

[@cameronjacob-sauer1660]

Great to see a new upload, thanks!!

[@alirezamoghadamnia9712]

Perfect explaination. I juat subscribed. Thank u ❤️❤️👍👌

[@mariar4431]

Your explanation and playing is captivating. I do love Bach. Thank you.

[@daviddoherty3349]

Excellent video, thanks for posting.

[@MercuryK52]

Thank you for a a very informative video on the subject, interesting! And thank you for a beautiful performance. :)

[@Carlos-to3nq]

Simply fantastic! Thanks a lot.

[@charlotteakenhead6847]

Hello. Wow so talented yes please really would love a video from you on the ins and outs! I think your also a really great teacher must be in the genes !

[@LivingPianosVideos]

I owe a great deal of what I share in my videos and my teaching to my father, Morton Estrin. There are some great recordings of his on KZbin.

[@marizacabral5141]

Beautifully played.

[@FaithMachine]

You are amazing! What wonderful explanations.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Thank you! 😃

[@kylebrainpresents]

Wow go off king

[@pn784059]

My 6 year old loves your videos. I also want to know what that keyboard setup is.

[@justaman9564]

Phillip Nix same, someone commented on how it’s such a good sound without a soundboard, I said hang on there ain’t even strings! Cool tech though however it’s achieved.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

The piano I use in my studio is the second prototype I have developed which is a modular piano system that provides a virtual concert grand experience.

[@pn784059]

LivingPianosVideos I can’t wait to see more details on that system when the time comes...

[@aleembruggen]

Love the passion!

[@lindaoffenbach]

Interesting, though one small correction should perhaps be noted... Fugue is pronounced close to Fuga (mind, not with a 'j' in between 'F' and 'u'), but as in almost like 'Baluga'... However the ue is pronounced as in between an 'a' and 'e'. The English prefer pronounding it as in 'Tube' with a 'j' in between 'T' and 'u', the Americans without the 'j'. Both incorrect however. Essentially, the Fugue is a technical 'flight' (Fuga in classic Latin means just that, a flight) very often to experiment with the instrument or testing it mathematically and systematically on its harmonics, tonality, playing action, dynamics, potentional playing techniques and colour changes for getting the most out of it. Bach was the master of it indeed, and it has become an art form.

[@asherwade]

Would love to hear your opinion on Glenn Gould's art of playing -?

[@andrewthomas5798]

Hi thank very much for the videos! Do you know where one could learn more about counterpoint and fugue composition without having to go to music school?

[@Joe_Young_Pianist]

Your local library.

[@justaman9564]

Species Counterpoint

[@juanferestrada]

search Alan Belkin, he’s a composer and has a lot of yt videos and also pdfs about every aspect of composition, including counterpoint

[@sigallamichel8840]

Un grand mystique a dit que Dieu n'était pas fait pour être compris, mais pour être contemplé...c'est un peu la même chose devant une grande oeuvre musicale, il faut abandonner l'esprit d'analyse au début pour...s'abandonner. Ecouter de façon passive. Le temps des détails, dans lequel le diable aime jouer un rôle important, vient toujours assez tôt pour le passionné...très bel exemple d'une filiation accomplie, c'est tellement rare, et merci pour votre talent musical et pédagogique.

[@TheMrlovegoodtimes]

great video. Pleas do a analysis

[@disienna]

Love your videos. Is there a possibility you’ll do one on that grand piano action that you’ve converted into a midi keyboard and it there a possibility for it becoming a product in the future.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

This is the second fully functional prototype modular concert grand system which provides a virtual concert grand experience. You will be hearing more about this.

[@disienna]

awesome! Can’t wait

[@Zephyrus47]

Just to let everyone know, the greatest fugue in the WTF is D Major from book II. Best P&F is the B Minor from book II

[@ronwilliams357]

Where do you get all that energy?

[@christianindividual4550]

7:47

[@bettyjane6684]

I think it’s interesting that a fugue is full of joy but the word fugue sounds heavy.

[@asherwade]

What are those buttons you push before everytime you play-?

[@LivingPianosVideos]

I use a video switcher on many of my videos so I can edit on the fly!

[@Gohole68]

Hey, how did you build the piano without it's casing

[@LivingPianosVideos]

That is one of 2 prototype modular piano systems I have developed which provide a virtual concert grand playing experience!

[@Gohole68]

I'd sure love to know how that is done

[@zxxz0000]

Yes yes yes please go deep into the weeds!

[@bcastromusic]

Nice video. I think I’m the only pianist I know that thinks most Bach’s work is annoying. It’s counterpoint for the sake of counterpoint. Technical. Clinical. I find it boring. I hated being forced to play some of these pieces

[@thomaspick4123]

Fugue? The wet brown mess in my shorts, after I drink too much coffee and wet fart?

[@ridha3248]

Thank you so much !