Fugato is a musical term used to describe a section of a composition that resembles a fugue, but is not technically one. The spelling of "fugato" is simple: /fjuːˈɡɑːtəʊ/. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down each letter and sound in the word. The "f" is pronounced as /f/, the "u" as /juː/, the "g" as /ɡ/, the "a" as /ɑː/, the "t" as /t/ and the "o" as /əʊ/. The word is easy to pronounce once its phonetic transcription is understood.
Fugato is a musical term used to describe a portion or section within a musical composition that follows the principles or characteristics of a fugue. Derived from the Italian word "fuga," which means "flight" or "escape," fugato denotes a fugue-like passage or episode integrated within a larger musical work that is not, strictly speaking, a true fugue.
In a fugato, the composer incorporates elements of fugal writing, such as the use of a melodic subject, contrapuntal imitation, and overlapping melodic lines, while deviating from the strict structure and formal constraints of a fugue. This allows the composer to borrow the concept and techniques of a fugue to create a similar contrapuntal texture within a larger musical context, such as a symphony, concerto, or chamber composition.
Typically, a fugato section is characterized by the introduction of a subject or theme, followed by successive entries of this subject in different voices or instruments, intertwining and developing in a contrapuntal manner. However, unlike a fugue, the fugato may lack a full exposition or the full development of the subject throughout the entire composition, allowing the composer more freedom in manipulating the texture, form, and length of the fugato section.
Overall, fugato provides composers with the opportunity to diversify the musical content within their compositions, enhancing their expressive and formal possibilities while incorporating the intricate and layered characteristics of fugue writing.
The word "Fugato" comes from the Italian language, specifically from the verb "fuggire", which means "to flee" or "to run away". The suffix "-ato" is added to the verb to indicate a past participle, similar to the English "-ed" ending.
In music, a fugato is a section within a composition that incorporates the style of fugue. It is a condensed or abbreviated form of a full fugue, typically appearing as a brief interlude or episode within a larger piece. The term "fugato" is used to indicate that the section should be played in the style of a fugue, incorporating contrapuntal techniques, imitation, and subject development.