Oxford University Press released “Improvising Fugue: A Method for Keyboard Artists” in February 2023. Author John Mortensen drew upon experience as a concert improviser on the international stage to develop this approach to creating spontaneous polyphonic music in Baroque style.
Juilliard keyboard studies professor Yiheng Yang stated that “Mortensen has done it again! As in The Pianist’s Guide to Historical Improvisation, he wryly de-mystifies the process of historically informed musical creation, and provides a richly informed, yet practical and step-by-step guide to understanding and improvising music, this time confronting the apex of musical forms: the fugue. Full of examples from the repertoire, and inventive, practical, progressive exercises and helpful explanations, this is a perfect present-day guide for students, teachers, and musicians who want to roll up their sleeves and get inside the art and craft of fugal creation.”
The book reached #1 bestseller status among all music books on Amazon three months before its official publication date.
