Swingtime and Fugue in B flat minor

 

Swingtime and Fugue in B flat minor - (2011)    

for piano

 

As with so many works rooted on the name of "Papa" Bach including my organ work, Prelude and Fugue in B flat minor, this swingtime opens with a quiet first statement of the famous B-A-C-H in the bass line is harmonized with parallel major-minor seven chords. After this chromatic yet subdued beginning, the theme takes up in earnest, spawning a set of variations on the motive.

 

 

The fugue subject is related to the BACH theme which is used for the harmonic outline of the opening gesture. Moving quickly between subject and answer, a small diversion to the relative major adds variety, before the last statement is driven home with a fortissimo and molto rubato.

 

The score is 3 pages, with an approximate performance time of 3' 00."  

 

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.

 

Swingtime and Fugue in B flat minor