Bach - Chorus

Question 1

Key

Answer 1

G Minor

Question 2

Texture

Answer 2

Polyphonic

Question 3

Time Signature

Answer 3

3/4

Question 4

Form

Answer 4

Ritornello Form - recurring orchestral theme/section, heard 7 times (different each time)
Chaconne - Ground Bass passing into upper lines

Question 5

Instruments

Answer 5

Chamber Orchestra

Question 6

Themes

Answer 6

1A Ritornello (Grief Motif)- Syncopated rhythm, woodwind, strings
1B Ostinato theme (Ground Bass) – descending chromatic line, ends perfect cadence
1C (Joy Motif) - 3 note idea, Continuo, Canon

Question 7

Order of Voices

Answer 7

Alto, Tenor, Soprano, Bass

Question 8

Features

Answer 8

Contrapuntal and Imitative Textures, Chromatic movement in Ostinato
- ATB parts based on ostinato in imitation
- Joy Motif
- Terraced dynamics
- Lots of perfect cadences
- Lots of sequences
- Trills
- Mainly syllabic
- Tierce di Picardy

Question 9

What happens?

Answer 9

• Starts homophonic
• Descending chromatic bassline
• Staccato strings, free quaver movement
• Voices enter ATSB in imitation singing Ostinato theme
• Soprano sings a 3/4 version of the chorale melody, repeated notes
• Bass voice doubles continuo bar 61
• Voices enter imitatively from bar 90 with anew idea based on a rising 4th
• Bar 130 Syncopated rhythm on violins, answered by oboe
• Voices enter TABS
• Ends with a final statement of the chorale theme and a perfect cadence in G Major (Tierce di Picardy)