Textural differences in Bach and Shostakovich
A comparison of textures employed in the Gigue from Partita no 4 by Bach, and the Fugue in A Major by Shostakovich. Both Bach’s gigue and Shostakovich’s fugue show distinct similarities as both are written, at least partly, in the style of a fugue. Bach’s gigue takes the style of a fugue in Bars 1 – 21, with the subject being stated in Bars 1 – 6, as a single line of melody in the right hand, providing a monophonic texture. The same style of entry is seen in Shostakovich’s fugue, as the subject is given in Bars 1 – 4 in the right hand, before the answer is heard with a countersubject in Bars 5 – 8. ... Where Shostakovich’s subject is based upon the A Major triad, Bach’s subject can be easily divided into three distinct parts. ... The texture increases in Bach’s gigue in Bar 16, as a third voice is introduced, and remains for the majority of the piece. However, Bach varies the texture by interspersing the three parts, with 4 part sections, as is seen in Bar 164 - 171, causing the fugal structure to become less secure.