Bach/Baroque

Question 1

Prelude

Answer 1

Short piece with an improvisatory character, based on a recurring melodic/rhythmic pattern. Often introductory works to longer pieces

Question 2

Fugue

Answer 2

Polyphonic composition written in several voices (3-5) based on a subject. Comes from Italian term meaning “flight”, reflecting voices chasing each other

Question 3

Real Fugal Answer

Answer 3

Unmodified transposition

Question 4

Tonal Fugal Answer

Answer 4

Modified Transposition

Question 5

Countersubject

Answer 5

New subject separate from initial subject sounded in different voice. In counterpoint.

Question 6

Codetta

Answer 6

Short linking passage

Question 7

Episode

Answer 7

A contrasting passage, usually containing a modulation or sequence in which the subject is absent. Theme of the episode could be derived from the subject, countersubject or entirely new

Question 8

Stretto

Answer 8

Where two or more subject entries overlap to make a canon

Question 9

Canon

Answer 9

Subject playing in multiple voices with slight timing offsets

Question 10

Inversion

Answer 10

Subject is upside down

Question 11

Secular

Answer 11

Apart from religion

Question 12

Sacred

Answer 12

Religious

Question 13

Counterpoint

Answer 13

The simultaneous sounding of different melodic lines moving in different directions

Question 14

Polyphonic

Answer 14

Multiple melodic lines moving at once

Question 15

Klavier

Answer 15

Clavichord or harpsichord - early keyboard instrument

Question 16

Wohltemperierte

Answer 16

Well-tempered tuning method

Question 17

Equal temperament

Answer 17

Each semitone is equidistant from the next

Question 18

Temperament

Answer 18

Method of tuning an instrument

Question 19

Just intonation

Answer 19

Scaled tuning (lower notes are flatter, higher notes are sharper)

Question 20

Hemiola rhythm

Answer 20

Rhythm in the 3:2 ratio

Question 21

Tierce de Picardie/Picardy Third

Answer 21

Special cadence usually in minor pieces involving a raised 3rd minor chord (which ends unexpectedly in major)

Question 22

Kapellmeister

Answer 22

Director of music

Question 23

Cantor

Answer 23

Singing master

Question 24

Cantata

Answer 24

Hymn

Question 25

Structure of a fugue

Answer 25

Exposition, Modulatory section, Recapitulation

Question 26

Characteristics of Baroque Period

Answer 26

Uses counterpoint, polyphony, ornamentation (especially at cadences and in slower movements), constant rhythmic pulse, clear sound, terraced dynamics, monothematic

Question 27

Well-tempered tuning method

Answer 27

The possibility of playing in all of the major and minor keys with a pleasing result; precursor to the equal tempered tuning system

Question 28

3 periods of Bach’s life

Answer 28

Weimar (organ) 1708 - 1717
Cöthen (instrumental) 1717 - 1723
Leipzig (sacred) 1723 - 1750

Question 29

Baroque Contemporaries

Answer 29

Handel, Purcell, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Telemann

Question 30

Bach Famous Compositions

Answer 30

St John & St Matthew Passions
20 Secular Cantatas (Coffee, Peasant, Wedding)
180+ Sacred Cantatas
Mass in B Minor
The Little Organ Book
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (WTC)
6 English Suites
6 French Suites
6 Partitas

Question 31

BWV

Answer 31

Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (Bach Works Catalogue)

Question 32

Baroque Dynamics

Answer 32

Terraced dynamics

Question 33

Baroque textures

Answer 33

Polyphonic

Question 34

Baroque textures

Answer 34

Polyphonic

Question 35

Instrument Bach composed for

Answer 35

Clavichord