Stretto

Definition

Stretto is a compositional technique in music, particularly found in the context of a fugue, where the entries of the subject occur in close succession. This technique creates a sense of urgency and excitement by overlapping voices and increasing the density of the texture. Stretto can also contribute to the development of musical ideas and enhance the overall dramatic effect of a piece, making it an essential feature in imitative counterpoint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stretto often occurs towards the climax of a fugue, creating heightened tension as the subject is layered over itself.
2. In stretto, the intervals between successive entries of the subject can be varied, allowing for creative exploration of harmonic relationships.
3. This technique can be applied not just to the main subject but also to its countersubject or other thematic material present in the piece.
4. Stretto contributes to the overall structure of a fugue, providing contrast with earlier sections where entries may be spaced further apart.
5. Composers like J.S. Bach utilized stretto masterfully, showcasing it in works like 'The Well-Tempered Clavier' and various cantatas.

Review Questions

• How does stretto enhance the emotional impact of a fugue?
  • Stretto enhances the emotional impact of a fugue by creating a sense of urgency and excitement through closely spaced entries of the subject. This overlapping of voices generates increased tension and complexity, drawing listeners deeper into the music. As the texture becomes denser, it emphasizes the dramatic moments within the composition, ultimately enriching the overall expressive quality.
• Compare and contrast stretto with other compositional techniques found in fugues. How do they serve different purposes?
  • Stretto differs from techniques like augmentation or inversion, which manipulate the subject's rhythm or pitch while maintaining its identity. While stretto focuses on density and immediacy by layering entries closely, augmentation stretches out time, creating a more expansive feel. In contrast, inversion alters melodic direction without changing thematic material. Each technique contributes uniquely to the fugal structure, affecting how themes are perceived and developed throughout the piece.
• Evaluate the role of stretto in shaping a composer’s style and their approach to counterpoint in fugue writing.
  • Stretto plays a crucial role in shaping a composer’s style by reflecting their unique approach to counterpoint and thematic development in fugue writing. For instance, composers like Bach employed stretto to showcase their mastery over intricate contrapuntal techniques while enhancing emotional intensity. This technique allows for innovative explorations of themes within complex textures, helping define their individual voice. By analyzing how different composers utilize stretto, we can gain insights into their stylistic choices and contributions to the evolution of fugal composition.

Related terms

Fugue: A contrapuntal musical form that features a main theme introduced by one voice and then imitated by other voices in succession.

Counterpoint: The relationship between two or more independent melodic lines that are harmonically interdependent yet distinct in rhythm and contour.

Subject: The main theme or motif of a fugue, which is introduced at the beginning and then developed through imitation and variation.