What does the term 'fugue' refer to in music composition?

The term 'fugue' refers specifically to a structure of interwoven melodies. In a fugue, a primary theme, known as the subject, is introduced by one voice or instrument and is then imitated and elaborated upon by other voices or instruments. This intricate interplay creates a complex texture where the voices enter at staggered intervals, adding layers to the composition. The distinct characteristics of a fugue include its use of counterpoint and the formal development of themes, which adhere to specific compositional rules.

Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing how fugues function within larger works, particularly in Baroque music, where composers like Johann Sebastian Bach made this form particularly prominent. The other options describe different elements of music that do not embody the defining characteristics of a fugue. A dance, a solo vocal piece, and a light orchestral piece do not involve the distinctive contrapuntal interplay that defines fugue composition.