Bach Flashcards
when was the baroque period?
1600-1750
what instruments form the concertino and which instruments form the ripieno?
concertino = flute, violin, harpsichord
ripieno = harpsichord, string orchestra
describe the dynamics of this piece
no crescendos or diminuendos as it incorporates terraced dynamics
what are terraced dynamics?
where texture is used to change the dynamics of a piece (louder = more instruments and vice versa)
what is the tempo of the piece?
Allegro
describe the rhythm of the Brandenburg
-uses gigue dance rhythms to make it lively and uplifting
-syncopation
what is the structure of the 3rd movement?
-ternary form - ABA
-also incorporates a fugue
what is stretto and why is it used?
-where the subject is repeated ontop of itself by different players
-makes the piece sound more exciting and dramatic
what ornamentation is used in this piece?
-trills
-appoggiaturas
-acciaccaturas
-mordents
-scalic runs
what is an appoggiatura?
a grace note that takes time away from the note following it
what is an acciaccatura?
a grace note that is played as quickly as possible
what are four melodic devices that Bach uses to shape this piece?
-sequences
-pedal notes
-stretto
-cadences
what is the basso continuo?
the continuous bass line that plays through the entire piece
Fugue is featured in this piece. What instrument plays the main idea that the other instruments repeat and imitate?
violin
what is a mordent?
alternation between the notes surrounding the note that is written
what is a figured bass?
numbers written above the music that helps the harpsichordist figure out which chords to play
what is unusual about the role of the harpsichord in this piece?
its has a dual role as a solo instrument and as accompaniment
what is the texture at the very start of the piece? what is the texture for most of the rest of the piece?
-it starts with a monophonic passage played by the violin
-it becomes polyphonic and fugal
what is the the texture of the start of the B section?
a homophonic texture where the flute is playing the melody line
what is the key signature of the A section? what two keys does it modulate to in the A section?
-Dmajor
-A major and E major
what does the A section end with?
a perfect cadence in D major
what is the key signature of the B section? what keys does it modulate to?
-B minor (relative minor)
-related keys like Fsharp minor and E minor
what key is the final A section in?
D major
What instruments play the basso continuo in Bach?
Harpsichord, cello and double bass
Explain why the harpsichord has a prominent role in the Bach?
-has a complex solo that is at one point completely unaccompanied
-they complete the harmony by realising the figured bass
Explain how, despite the 2/4 time signature, Bach gives the piece its compound, gigue feel?
-uses lots of triplets
