A level Music Revision - Bach Elements

Question 1

Sonority

Answer 1

Four part chorale
Strings and oboes.
The strings often double the vocal parts.
The oboe plays the canctus firmus.
Figured bass imitates the oboe and outlines the melody. Plays pedal notes.
Mvt 8:
Melody is sung in the soprano and doubled in the violin and oboe.
Normal vocal range.

Question 2

Texture

Answer 2

It starts monophonically.
The opening is fugal which creates a contrapuntal texture.
The texture builds up and then drops back before the canctus firmus comes back to emphasise it.
The pedal comes in just before the texture drops.
The second movement starts with a two part texture and then goes contrapuntal.
Movement 8 is homophonic all the way through.
There is lots of imitation and antiphony.

Question 3

Tonailty

Answer 3

All of them are in D major
Lots of modulation
Use of minor keys
Cadences
Tonic Pedal/ Dominant pedals
Modulates to related keys (dominant and relative minor)
False relation

Question 4

Harmony

Answer 4

Cadences
Tonic Pedal/ Dominant pedals
Chromatic movement
False relations
4 part harmony
Voices in harmony, orchestral instruments playing accompaniment

Question 5

Rhythm and Metre

Answer 5

Melisma used mvt 1 in the subject
Syncopated rhythms used in the first movement
Lively sense of rhythm in the second movement
Movement 2 is in 4/4 simple time,
Decorated rhythms used throughout he work,
Mvt 1 has lively fast tempo
Prominent use of crochet and quaver rhythms in Mvt 8

Question 6

Melody (Word Setting)

Answer 6

Bach uses a Cantus Firmus in Oboe/Violone Based on bb.1-2 of Luther’s hymn (1529).
The Cantus Firmus is augmented to cut through the strings and vocals.
For the counter subject, Bach uses the second phrase of Luther’s chorale.
The melody is elaborated with passing notes, cadential ornamentation forming a subject. Shows the capabilities of the singers and adds variation.
Bach sets melismas on words such as ‘Waffen and feste’ in order to emphasise them.
Melismatic word painting for the ‘alte Bose’ too.
Occasional chromaticism for word painting, but mostly diatonic.
Vocal Ranges (mvt 1): S - 11th; A - 12th; T - 11th; B - 10th.
Melody is mostly conjunct with small leaps (4th and 5th).

Question 7

What is a canctus firmus?

Answer 7

A pre-existing melody set against a polyphonic texture.

Question 8

Structure

Answer 8

Movement 1: Fugal
Movement 2: Ritornello Form (ABACA(A)). bb.1-8 A; bb.9-23 B; bb.24-37 A; bb.37-60 C; bb.60-69 A; bb.69-76 A
Movement 8: Irregular Phrasing, congregational

Question 9

Sonority

Answer 9

Four part chorale
Strings and oboes.
The strings often double the vocal parts.
The oboe plays the canctus firmus.
Figured bass imitates the oboe and outlines the melody. Plays pedal notes.