Bach

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Features of Baroque music:
· Functional harmony; perfect cadences
· Melody based on one motif
· Modulation to related keys
· Use of Basso Continuo
· Use of sequences
· Use of ornaments
- harpsichord
- Ternary form

• Written between 1711-1720
• This piece comes from a set of concertos commissioned by The Margrave of Brandenburg.
• This piece the third movement of a concerto grosso – which is a piece for multiple soloists.

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

• Ternary Form (ABA) – (common in Baroque period)
• Section A – Beginning until b78
• Section B – b79-b232
• Section A – b233 onwards

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

· The piece begins in fugal style. This also makes it contrapuntal and polyphonic.
· We can go a step further and say that it is imitation.

Question 4

Tonality

Answer 4

• D major overall
• D major in section A with some moments in A major (dominant)
• Section B modulates to B minor (relative minor), A major (Dominant) and F# minor (relative minor of dominant).
• Modulations to the dominant and relative minor are common in the Baroque period.

Question 5

Rhythm

Answer 5

• Dotted rhythms in theme
• Use of triplets in theme
• Semiquaver sextuplet runs in Harpsichord part

Question 6

Metre/tempo/dynamics

Answer 6

Tempo
* Marked Allegro which means fast
* Good for dancing

Metre
· In 2/4
· Actually feels like 6/8 due to triplets
· This gives it a dance-like feel
· This 6/8 feel is typical of a third movement from a concerto in the Baroque period.

Question 7

Instrumentation

Answer 7

• Concertino (soloists):
• Violin
• Flauto (Flute)
• Harpsichord
• Ripieno (accompanying group):
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Basso Continuo (underlying accompaniment)
• Harpsichord
• Cello
• Double Bass

Question 8

Melody

Answer 8

• Based on a single motif.
• Starts disjunct and then becomes conjunct.
• Features leaps of 4ths at start of motif and 5th at the end.
• Many scalic runs
• Some use of sequence (a repeating pattern that rises or falls)
• Occasional ornaments such as trills and appoggiaturas.
• Melody is developed throughout the piece.

Question 9

Harmony

Answer 9

• Uses typical chord progressions using I, IV and V which makes it functional.
• Includes some dominant seventh (4:3:3) chords.
• Harmony is mostly in root position which makes it feel strong with a few chords in first inversion.
• There are some perfect cadences which are used to end sections.
• There is occasional dissonance through the use of suspensions which then resolve to consonance.
• Harmonic device: pedal notes at start of B section and towards end of B