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''Fortspinnung'' () is a German term conceived in 1915 to refer to a specific process of development of a
Even though it is a Baroque technique, it is also possible to find this process in scores from other composers in different periods, such as 
musical motif
In music, a motif IPA: ( /moʊˈtiːf/) (also motive) is a short musical phrase, a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition: "The moti ...
. In this process, the motif is developed into an entire musical structure by using sequences
In mathematics, a sequence is an enumerated collection of objects in which repetitions are allowed and order matters. Like a set, it contains members (also called ''elements'', or ''terms''). The number of elements (possibly infinite) is calle ...
, intervallic changes or simple repetitions. As a principle it exposes a thematic capus (German: ''Themenkopf'') and from there on opens itself to a (mostly) counterpuntal structure, while the reentry of same ''Themenkopf'' (often transposed) diverts from the fact that there is no actual closing formula in the ''Fortspinnungsthema''. Thus the ''Forspinnungsprinzip'' counters the principle of the German ''Periode'', common to the ''Wiener Klassik'' sonata, which is metrically finite (albeit not closing, as such). Everything in the ''Periode'' points to a metrically defined point, where its 'end' its 'right border' is expected. This pointing structure is missing, i. e. carefully averted in the ''Fortspinnung''. Thus the '' Gestalt'' of the ''Fortspinnungsthema'' has a 'rag margin', while the ''Periode'' ends more predictably.
It is also possible to use the ''fortspinnung form'' term that stands for a structure with three parts:
*''Vordersatz'': The '' antecedent'' or '' exposition'' of the motif.
*''Fortspinnung'': The ''fortspinnung'' itself where the motif is developed.
*''Epilog'': The '' epilogue'' or ''cadence
In Western musical theory, a cadence (Latin ''cadentia'', "a falling") is the end of a phrase in which the melody or harmony creates a sense of full or partial resolution, especially in music of the 16th century onwards. Don Michael Randel (1 ...
section''.
In Baroque music
Baroque music ( or ) refers to the period or dominant style of Western classical music composed from about 1600 to 1750. The Baroque style followed the Renaissance period, and was followed in turn by the Classical period after a short transit ...
, melodies and their lyrics were prose. Rather than paired lines they consist of rhetorical sentences or paragraphs consisting of an opening gesture, an amplification (often featuring sequence
In mathematics, a sequence is an enumerated collection of objects in which repetitions are allowed and order matters. Like a set, it contains members (also called ''elements'', or ''terms''). The number of elements (possibly infinite) is call ...
), and a close (featuring a cadence
In Western musical theory, a cadence (Latin ''cadentia'', "a falling") is the end of a phrase in which the melody or harmony creates a sense of full or partial resolution, especially in music of the 16th century onwards. Don Michael Randel (1 ...
); in German ''Vordersatz''-''Fortspinnung''-''Epilog''. For example:
:
Examples
This developmental process and its resulting musical structure are used mainly in theBaroque
The Baroque (, ; ) is a style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the 1750s. In the territories of the Spanish and Portuguese empires including t ...
period. Here is an example of the ''fortspinnung'' process in the first section of the Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the ''Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
Invention No. 4 in D minor (BWV 775):
Even though it is a Baroque technique, it is also possible to find this process in scores from other composers in different periods, such as Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms (; 7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the mid- Romantic period. Born in Hamburg into a Lutheran family, he spent much of his professional life in Vienna. He is sometimes grouped wit ...
in the Romantic period:
References
{{Motives (music) Musical form Motifs (music)