Bach Cantata Ein Feste Burg Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is a cantata?
A work for voices and instrumental accompaniment
When was the Bach cantata piece composed?
1723-1731
What is a cantus firmus?
A pre-existing melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition
When was the cantus firmus of this piece composed?
1529 by Luther himself
What is the instrumentation of Movement 1 and 8?
SATB choir with vocal lines closely doubled by orchestra
What is the tonic key of the cantata?
D major
What is the texture of Movement 1?
Contrapuntal and fugal
What is the countersubject of Movement 1?
Based on second phrase of Luther’s hymn tune
What is the tonal answer of Movement 1 like?
Subject transposed down a fourth to be on the dominant
What is the relationship between the oboe and second continuo in Movement 1?
The unembellished cantus firmus is played in canon
What is the overall harmony?
Diatonic and functional, with perfect cadences used to confirm modulations
What is the harmonic device used in Bar 16 of Movement 1?
4-3 suspension
What is the metre of Movement 1?
4/2
What is used in Movement 1 to give forward drive to the music?
Tied notes
What is the word setting of Movements 1 and 2?
Melismatic
What voices is Movement 2 scored for?
Soprano and bass duet
What is the role of solo oboe in Movement 2?
Almost doubles the soprano line
What is the texture of the introduction and postlude of Movement 2?
Melody-dominated homophony
What is the texture between the soprano and bass in Movement 2?
Contrapuntal
What is the texture between the soprano and oboe in Movement 2?
Heterophonic
What is the texture of the last two bars of Movement 2?
Homophonic
What ornament is commonly used in the soprano and oboe in Movement 2?
Trill
What is the metre in Movement 2?
Common time
What is the main rhythm of Movement 2?
Semiquavers (moto perpetuo in opening)
