Re: GG: So you want to write a fugue?

[Mary Jo Watts <mwatts@rci.rutgers.edu>]

Junichi,

The "So You Want to Write a Fugue?" issue presents a particular
translation problem.  The idiom is a common construction for the title
of "do-it-yourself" books or similar types of instructional videos or
pamphlets. (Particularly common in the 1950's and 1960's.)  So GG is
writing a do-it-yourself tract for fugues that's a parody of that kind
of writing which is usually stilted because the instruction is designed
to be as simplistic as possible and to appeal to a very broad audience. 

In the video where GG introduces the song, he says "As I mentioned,
people go on writing fugues occasionally..." indicating in a humorous
and understated way that fugue writing is a craft that can be taught. 
He's mock-serious in the video.  I see it as GG's answer to Fux's
_Gradus ad Parnassum_ -- 1950's style.  It's kind of kitch and clearly
demonstrates his unique sense of humor. The Moog sythesizer Bach record
demonstrates a similar sort of anachronistic, kitchy humor and of course
GG loved that. 

I hope that helps but I fear what I mean to say is not very clear.

-Mary Jo