How did the neoclassical movement renew interest in fugues?

The neoclassical movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, played a significant role in renewing interest in the fugue. As part of a broader effort to move away from the emotional vagueness and heavy textures of the Romantic movement and the influence of Impressionism, neoclassical composers sought to recapture the clarity, formal structure, and objectivity associated with the Classical period.1

By turning toward earlier models, including the contrapuntal traditions of the Baroque era, these composers reinvigorated the use of fugal techniques. This movement favored a more transparent approach to orchestration and often utilized chamber music ensembles, which were well-suited to the intricate, systematic imitation characteristic of the fugue. Through this aesthetic shift, the fugue was once again embraced as a vital compositional tool, reflecting a desire for structural precision and a return to the "learned style" of earlier masters.213