List of Works || Swing a Fugue

Though Swing a Fugue was written in 1949, it was later dedicated to Elaine Keillor, who premiered the work along with Melos (1949) on November 6, 1987. This dedication is appropriate, given Keillor’s numerous performances and recordings of Weinzweig’s piano works.

The title is deceiving in that it does not contain “swing eighths”; Weinzweig’s careful slurring, though, does create a lilting sway that captures the swing spirit. Swing a Fugue is also not a fugue in any strict technical sense; the work does, though, include two independent and contrapuntal voices (right and left hands). In these two ways, Swing a Fugue demonstrates the flexibility with which Weinzweig engages with his musical influences.

Though not technically virtuosic, Swing a Fugue requires agility from its performer, and a sensitivity to all the many changes in dynamics and articulations. These elements combine to make a brief, but exciting musical work that is sure to entertain any audience.

Written by Alexa Woloshyn