Brandenburg Concerto

Question 1

Dynamics (4)

Answer 1

• terraced dynamics –> harpsichord cannot vary in volume
• layering & unlayering instruments –> vary volume
• no dynamic markings –> use of single manual harpsichord
• piano on violin –> balance, flute to be heard

Question 2

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo (5)

Answer 2

• 2/4 –> simple time, Baroque Era
• triplets –> sounds like 6/8, gigue
• dotted quaver & semiquaver grouping –> triplet-like
• semiquaver runs –> virtuosic harpsichord
• allegro–> gigue

Question 3

Structure (2)

Answer 3

• ternary form –> Baroque
• fugue, ritornello, fugue –> different to standard ritornello form like Winter, Vivaldi

Question 4

Melody (8)

Answer 4

• passagework –> virtuosic harpsichord
• lively affekt –> gigue
• subject –> leap of 4th
• countersubject –> simplistic
• answer –> leap of 5th
• arpeggios –> Baroque Era
• ascending sequences –> positive affekt
• ornamentation –> development of ternary form
• conjunct –> classical music
• scalic runs –> virtuosic

Question 5

Instrumentation: (4)

Answer 5

• concerto grosso –> Baroque Era
• concertino –> harpsichord (unusual, virtuosic, ), violin, flute
• ripieno –> violin (unusual to have 1), harpsichord, viola
• basso continuo –> harpsichord, double bass, cello

Question 6

Tonality (9)

Answer 6

• Section A: D maj, A maj, E maj, A maj, E maj, D maj
• Section B: B min, F# min, A maj

Question 7

Harmony (9)

Answer 7

Typical of Baroque music:
- figured bass
- functional
- perfect cadence
- diatonic
- cycle of 5ths –> easily modulate
- tonic pedal –> reinforce key
- consonance
- suspensions
- standard root and 1st inv chords

Question 8

Texture (8)

Answer 8

• cannon
• stretto
• imitation
• dialogue/antiphony
• monophonic
• layered
• contrapuntal : 2 part counterpoint by harpsichord, 4 part