Analysis of Bach's G Minor Fugue from Book II of the WTC (BWV 885)

by José Rodríguez Alvira

The subject of fugue BWV 885 is presented by the tenor:

The answer (tonal), appears in the alto in measure 5 while the tenor plays the countersubject:

 

This countersuject will have an important role in this fugue. Not only it will appear each time a subject or answer is presented, but it will also be used in episodes and offer numerous examples of inverted counterpoint at the 10^th and the 12^th with the subject.