Bach

Question 1

when was the baroque period?

Answer 1

1600-1750

Question 2

what instruments form the concertino and which instruments form the ripieno?

Answer 2

concertino = flute, violin, harpsichord
ripieno = harpsichord, string orchestra

Question 3

describe the dynamics of this piece

Answer 3

no crescendos or diminuendos as it incorporates terraced dynamics

Question 3

what are terraced dynamics?

Answer 3

where texture is used to change the dynamics of a piece (louder = more instruments and vice versa)

Question 3

what is the tempo of the piece?

Answer 3

Allegro

Question 4

describe the rhythm of the Brandenburg

Answer 4

-uses gigue dance rhythms to make it lively and uplifting
-syncopation

Question 5

what is the structure of the 3rd movement?

Answer 5

-ternary form - ABA
-also incorporates a fugue

Question 6

what is stretto and why is it used?

Answer 6

-where the subject is repeated ontop of itself by different players
-makes the piece sound more exciting and dramatic

Question 7

what ornamentation is used in this piece?

Answer 7

-trills
-appoggiaturas
-acciaccaturas
-mordents
-scalic runs

Question 8

what is an appoggiatura?

Answer 8

a grace note that takes time away from the note following it

Question 9

what is an acciaccatura?

Answer 9

a grace note that is played as quickly as possible

Question 10

what are four melodic devices that Bach uses to shape this piece?

Answer 10

-sequences
-pedal notes
-stretto
-cadences

Question 11

what is the basso continuo?

Answer 11

the continuous bass line that plays through the entire piece

Question 12

Fugue is featured in this piece. What instrument plays the main idea that the other instruments repeat and imitate?

Answer 12

violin

Question 13

what is a mordent?

Answer 13

alternation between the notes surrounding the note that is written

Question 14

what is a figured bass?

Answer 14

numbers written above the music that helps the harpsichordist figure out which chords to play

Question 15

what is unusual about the role of the harpsichord in this piece?

Answer 15

its has a dual role as a solo instrument and as accompaniment

Question 16

what is the texture at the very start of the piece? what is the texture for most of the rest of the piece?

Answer 16

-it starts with a monophonic passage played by the violin
-it becomes polyphonic and fugal

Question 17

what is the the texture of the start of the B section?

Answer 17

a homophonic texture where the flute is playing the melody line

Question 18

what is the key signature of the A section? what two keys does it modulate to in the A section?

Answer 18

-Dmajor
-A major and E major

Question 19

what does the A section end with?

Answer 19

a perfect cadence in D major

Question 20

what is the key signature of the B section? what keys does it modulate to?

Answer 20

-B minor (relative minor)
-related keys like Fsharp minor and E minor

Question 21

what key is the final A section in?

Answer 21

D major

Question 23

What instruments play the basso continuo in Bach?

Answer 23

Harpsichord, cello and double bass

Question 24

Explain why the harpsichord has a prominent role in the Bach?

Answer 24

-has a complex solo that is at one point completely unaccompanied
-they complete the harmony by realising the figured bass

Question 25

Explain how, despite the 2/4 time signature, Bach gives the piece its compound, gigue feel?

Answer 25

-uses lots of triplets