The Technique Of "articulation"

"Articulation" is an abstract concept without a specific and clear definition, so its explanation has many meanings. But it seems that it has a clear basic goal which is to require the music pellucidity, that is to say, the pellucidity both in forms and contents. But it needs the concrete performing skills to make the notes clear, statement explicit, fluctuations recognizable and paragraphs obvious. These performing skills are generally marked by special marks or terms, and the most important ones are staccato, legato and non legato. Many works during the Baroque Ages had no performing skills or expression terms. The choice of performing skills depends on the works’styles, structures, figures and textures. Many of Bach’s keyboard polyphonic works are composed of two parts, for example:toccata and fugue, fantasia and fugue, prelude and fugue, which show the balance between dynamics and stability and that between freedom and precise structure. Fantasia and Fugue in g Minor were created between Weimar and Corten Eras, Fugue was firstly composed in Weimer Era and then Fantasia in Corten Era. Fantasia is possessed of strong improvisation and virtuosity. Its enthusiastic emotions and gorgeous skills bring out the best in each other, and it combines the characteristics of prelude and toccata, and is filled with free colors. Fugue is with a distinct theme, in neat formation and stability. The successive statement of the theme in each part is just like a devout follower’s numerous soul prayer and narration. Through analyzing the structures of " Fantasia and Fugue in g Minor ", we classify the main rhythm figures and textures of works, and select the proper performing skills based on the music styles and the features of performing skills of "articulation". Currently, we usually use the electronic organ to perform this kind of works, so we should consider about its functions in performance. If we can exert all its advantages to the hilt, we can not only show our respects for the works’ original styles, but also show certain age characteristics and individual styles in performance.