Which of the following is NOT a type of program music?

The selection of fugue as the answer highlights its distinct characteristics in the realm of classical music composition. A fugue is a specific form that emphasizes counterpoint, where a main theme (subject) is introduced and then developed through interwoven melodies. This structure focuses primarily on the combination and development of musical lines rather than on depicting a story or external narrative.

In contrast, program music is designed explicitly to convey or illustrate specific ideas, scenes, or narratives. Program symphonies, symphonic poems, and character pieces with descriptive titles each align with this approach, as they are structured to evoke images or tell stories through music. Program symphonies and symphonic poems often depict explicit themes or stories, while character pieces typically have titles that suggest a mood or scene—a quality inherent in their composition. Thus, the nature of fugue, rooted in its compositional techniques, distinguishes it from the other options presented, making it the correct choice as an example of music that does not fit the program music category.