So you want to write a fugue.
You got the urge to write a fugue.                                                                                               You got the nerve to write a fugue.

OK – so this doesn’t apply to too many people – maybe the odd student trying to complete requirements for a theory course, but I can’t imagine tackling a fugue for no reason.

Glenn Gould did, of course. This Canadian icon was more than just a renowned player of Bach, albeit with a controversial interpretation. My students are easily intimidated by the sheer speed at which he took so much music. He was also a composer; one of the most delightful things he came up with was a fugue, to be sung, on how to write a fugue.

The lyrics are at the bottom of the page. Admittedly, it is a bit long and it does get repetitive – but the first couple of minutes should give you something to ponder this morning – or at least smile at

So you want to write a fugue.
You got the urge to write a fugue.
You got the nerve to write a fugue.
So go ahead, so go ahead and write a fugue.
Go ahead and write a fugue that we can sing.

Pay no heed, Pay no mind.
Pay no heed to what we tell you,
Pay no mind to what we tell you.
Cast away all that you were told
And the theory that you read.
As we said come and write one,
Oh do come and write one,
Write a fugue that we can sing.

Now the only way to write one
Is to plunge right in and write one.
Just forget the rules and write one,
Just ignore the rules and try.

And the fun of it will get you.
And the joy of it will fetch you.
Its a pleasure that is bound to satisfy.
When you decide that John Sebastian must have been a very personable guy.

Never be clever
for the sake of being clever,
for the sake of showing off.

For a canon in inversion is a dangerous diversion,
And a bit of augmentation is a serious temptation,
While a stretto diminution is an obvious allusion.

For to try to write a fugue that we can sing.                                                                             And when you finish writing it
I think you will find a great joy in it.

or so…
Nothing ventured, nothing gained they say
But still it is rather hard to start.

Well let us try right now.
Now we are going to write a fugue.
We are going to write a good one.
We are going to write a fugue … right now.