Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor

Question 1

What is the full name of this work?

Answer 1

Concerto for two violins in D minor BWV 1043

Question 2

What is the form of the first movement?

Answer 2

Ritornello/fugue

Question 3

What is the tonic key of this piece?

Answer 3

D minor

Question 4

What makes this fugal?

Answer 4

The subject in the tonic and the answer in the dominant

Question 5

What do the numbers mean under the stave?

Answer 5

Figured bass

Question 6

What is the continuo made up of?

Answer 6

Cello and harpsichord

Question 7

What is the texture of the first movement?

Answer 7

Polyphonic and homophonic

Question 8

What happens in episodes?

Answer 8

• Clear distinction between soloists and tutti
• Used for contrast
• Provides forward motion, explores new keys which are confirmed when the ritornello returns

Question 9

What is the dominant of D minor?

Answer 9

A minor

Question 10

What did Bach want the 2nd movement to sound like?

Answer 10

An operatic aria

Question 11

Define concerto grosso

Answer 11

Concerto grosso is an instrumental work for a group of solos and a tutti orchestra

Question 12

When was this composed?

Answer 12

around 1730 - more specifically 1717-1723 in Cothen

Question 13

Describe the italian model of the concerto

Answer 13

Three movements - fast, slow, fast

Question 14

Baroque elements of music - melody

Answer 14

Continuous melody, long and winding
Melodic sequencing to extend the melody
Unbalanced phrases
Lots of ornaments
Repetition of melodies

Question 15

Baroque elements of music - Rhythm

Answer 15

Rhythmic continuity, repeated rhythms
Forward motion - emphasised beat
Simple - Strong and weak beats
Clear sense of metre

Question 16

Baroque elements of music - Dynamics

Answer 16

Constant or terraced
Sudden changes
Extended passages at a single dynamic

Question 17

Baroque elements of music - Form

Answer 17

Three part and two part form - binary and ternary
Contrasts between bodies of sound
Binary, ternary, ritornello, rondo, sonata, variations and concerto were common forms

Question 18

Baroque elements of music - Harmony

Answer 18

Chords became significant in themselves
Major/minor key system
Limited modulation
Harmonically driven counterpoint
Dissonance used to define tonal direction
Figured bass and basso continuo

Question 19

Baroque elements of music - Texture

Answer 19

Independence of parts
Polarity of parts
Polyphony and homophony
New bass emphasis

Question 20

Baroque elements of music - Timbre

Answer 20

Predominantly strings
Harpsichord
Limited winds and brass
Contrasts of instrumental timbres
Chamber orchestra