FUGUE

(fig; Lat. fug a, flight), a musical term signifying a polyphonic composition constructed on one or more short subjects or themes, which are harmonized according to the laws of counterpoint, and introduced from time to time with various contrapuntal devices, the interest in these frequently-heard themes being sustained by diminishing the interval of time at which they follow each other, and monotony being avoided by the occasional use of episodes, or pa ages open to free treatment. 602