Stretto

Definition

Stretto refers to a compositional technique in which the voices of a musical piece enter in quick succession, overlapping one another in close intervals. This technique is often used in the context of counterpoint, where different melodies are woven together, creating a dense and intricate texture. Stretto adds urgency and complexity to the music, enhancing the dramatic effect and showcasing the skill of the composer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stretto often occurs towards the end of a fugue, intensifying the musical tension as voices enter in rapid succession.
2. In Bach's works, stretto is a key feature that highlights his contrapuntal mastery, demonstrating his ability to weave intricate lines together seamlessly.
3. The use of stretto can create a sense of urgency and excitement, making it a popular choice in climactic sections of compositions.
4. Bach frequently employed stretto to enhance the emotional impact of chorale preludes, providing depth to the overall musical narrative.
5. The spacing of voices in stretto can vary, with some entries occurring at intervals as close as a half-step apart, further adding to the intensity.

Review Questions

• How does the use of stretto enhance the overall texture and emotional impact of a fugue?
  • Stretto enhances the texture of a fugue by introducing voices that overlap quickly, creating a rich and complex sound. This rapid succession of entries heightens emotional intensity and draws listeners' attention to the interplay between different melodies. As the voices enter in close proximity, the sense of urgency increases, contributing to a climactic feel that is characteristic of well-crafted fugues.
• Discuss how Bach's use of stretto in chorale preludes reflects his contrapuntal techniques and compositional style.
  • Bach's use of stretto in chorale preludes exemplifies his contrapuntal techniques by showcasing his skill in weaving multiple melodies together while maintaining clarity and coherence. The overlapping entries create intricate textures that highlight the interaction between the chorale melody and its accompanying lines. This approach not only demonstrates Bach's mastery of counterpoint but also serves to elevate the spiritual and emotional qualities of his chorale settings.
• Evaluate the significance of stretto within the broader context of early Baroque music and its influence on later composers.
  • Stretto holds significant importance within early Baroque music as it reflects the evolving complexity and expressiveness sought by composers during this period. By employing this technique, composers like Bach pushed the boundaries of traditional forms and explored new expressive possibilities. The impact of stretto can be seen in later composers who adopted similar methods, leading to the development of more intricate polyphonic styles in the Classical and Romantic eras, thus shaping the trajectory of Western music history.

Related terms

Fugue: A complex musical form that features a main theme (subject) introduced by one voice and then imitated by others, developing through interweaving melodies.

Counterpoint: The relationship between two or more independent melodies that are played or sung simultaneously, creating harmony through their interaction.

Imitative Polyphony: A style of composition where one melodic line is imitated by another, creating interwoven musical lines that maintain independence yet harmonize with each other.