A comparative study of selected Bach and Klengel fugues

This study addresses the possible influence of J. S. Bach upon A. A. Klengel (1783 - 1852), German pianist and composer of Kanons und Fugen fur das Pianoforte. Two Klengel fugues were selected for comparison with two Bach fugues in the same key. Various melodic, harmonic, contrapuntal, and structural analytical techniques were applied to these two pairs of fugues. Analysis of the Klengel fugues showed his thorough knowledge of Baroque contrapuntal practices. Comparison of data from analysis of the four fugues indicated that Klengel had particular knowledge of Bach's compositional style. Similarities in the styles of the two composers led to the conclusion that Klengel's C Major Fugue, Book I, and G Minor Fugue, Book II, were apparently influenced by Bach in the areas of melody, counterpoint, harmony, and structure.