The Art of the Fugue

Bach’s last great keyboard masterpiece will be performed by pianist Fr. Sean Duggan, OSB. This gigantic work consists of fourteen fugues and four canons, all based on a single theme. Bach was in the midst of preparing it for publication when he died in 1750, leaving the final, fourteenth fugue incomplete. It has often been referred to not only as a stupendous musical composition but also as “one of the truly great creations of the human mind.” Because of its sheer complexity, it is not often performed live in its entirety, especially by pianists (more often by harpsichordists, organists, or in chamber ensemble arrangements). And yet, this piece is a moving testimony to Bach’s inner spirit as well as to his towering compositional genius — music full of passion and emotional expression. An opportunity to hear it performed in a live concert setting should not be missed.