Schumann: Fugue 4 from Six Fugues on BACH, Op. 60, for String Quartet by Robert Schumann String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1427547

The Six Fugues on the Name BACH, Op. 60 was Schumann's only work composed explicitly for the organ (or the pedal piano). Schumann composed this work in 1845, late in his career, as he turned to more conventional musical forms like the fugue with encouragement from his wife, Clara. The work uses the four-note B-A-C-H motive, which Schumann used to incorporate Bach's name into the music symbolically. The fugues demonstrate Schumann's mastery of the fugal form despite his reputation as a quintessential Romantic composer. Analysts have noted Schumann's innovative use of time and structure in the fugues, such as potential references to the golden section. In summary, Schumann's Op. 60 is an essential late-career work that showcases his command of the fugal form and innovative approaches to musical structure, all while incorporating the symbolic B-A-C-H motive.