What describes a tonal answer in a fugue?

A tonal answer in a fugue refers to a statement of the subject that is adjusted to fit into the established tonality of the piece. This means that while the answer retains the essential character of the subject, certain intervals may be modified to ensure that the answer harmonizes correctly within the key context of the music. This adjustment allows the fuge to flow cohesively, maintaining tonal integrity while introducing variation.

In the context of fugue writing, the tonal answer contrasts with a real answer, where the subject is presented with exact intervals, regardless of whether they fit the scale of the key. The tonal answer enhances the work by allowing the composer to explore different harmonic possibilities while keeping the thematic material recognizable and cohesive within the tonal structure of the piece.