Cakewalk and Fugue in C major - (2012)
for piano
The lively cakewalk, which history declares a changing style from plantation dance to minstrel show to ragtime and sometimes in mockery of "fancy" dancing, has been treated by classical composers for generations now. This provides a rhythmic motor and episodic structure easily, and was the impetus to compose this. The short-long-short snap and subsequent syncopations make for fun.
The fugue varies from the cakewalk's theme for some variety, and its entrances may be found in the tonic and dominant as well as supertonic and mediant regions as well. Some parallel sevenths break the expected harmonic voice leadings with a little wry twist. Rubato as one wishes it is recommended.
4 pages, circa 4' 00" - an MP3 demo is here:
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this piano score.
Cakewalk and Fugue in C major