J.S. Bach Flashcards
(25 cards)
when was it composed
1700s
what is a cantata
vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, structured in multiple movements
Oratorio
large-scale and sacred
Aria
solo, often with instrumental accompaniment
Chorale
a hymn of psalm sung to a traditional or composed melody in Church
what is the cantus firmus
pre-existing melody of the Lutheran hymn
how is the CF used in the first movement
a fugato based on each phrase, with ingenious details e.g. the first subject of the fugal exposition is based on first phrase, with a countersubject based on second phrase.
At the end of each section, the three oboes and organ/violone play a plain version of the CF in canon.
how is the CF used in the second movement
Soprano sings a (slightly) decorated version of the CF
oboe performs a more elaborately decorated version at the same time creating a heterophonic texture. Bass performs free counterpoint.
how is the CF used in the third movement
CF sung in unadorned (plain) form by soprano, with ATB harmony/homophony, with all the vocal parts doubled in the instrumental ensemble
Introduction paragraph
-J.S. Bach born in 1685, was a renowned Baroque composer
-Celebrated for his prolific and influential work, particularly in sacred music
-many of his works was created for St. Thomas’ Church
-His cantata ‘Ein feste burg is unser Gott’ meaning a mighty fortress is our God was written for reformation day on the 31st of October
-where both the text and music are based on a Lutheran hymn
-A cantata is a vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment structured in multiple movements
1st movement
-scored for a SATB choir and tutti orchestra
-vocal lines are closely doubled in the orchestra
2nd movement
-Aria which is a solo often with instrumental accompaniment
-duet for soprano and bass with string accompaniment and solo oboe
-includes very elaborate accompaniment parts
-clear example of how Bach is a master of Baroque music
8th movement
-4 part SATB chorale
-orchestral accompaniment that exactly doubles the vocal lines
D major
The key of triumph
heaven-rejoicing choruses are set in this key.
(W.L. The trumpets shall sound - Handel)
A major
Trust in God
G major
Everything rustic, idyllic and lyrical, every calm and satisfied passion
Atmosphere created from Ein fester Burg ist unser Gott
- Triumphant
- Powerful
- Uplifting
Atmosphere created from Alles, was von Gott geboren
-Tense
-Hopeful
-Intense devotion
-Spiritual victory
Atmosphere created from Das Wort sie stollen lassen stahn
- Steadfast
- Solemn
- Moral courage
- Strength
Describe the melody of all 3 movements
Mvt. 1: mainly conjunct, ascending violin sequences, melisma
Mvt. 2: bass is more ornate than soprano and oboe, long melismatic passages, mainly scailic
Mvt. 8: entirely syllabic, conjunct and diatonic, few small leaps
Describe the texture of all 3 movements
Mvt. 1: highly contrapuntal, polyphonic, subject in soprano and tenor, tonal answer in alto and bass
Mvt. 2: mel-dom-hom in introduction and postlude, upper strings play semiquaver triadic line, oboe and soprano often create a heterophonic texture
Mvt. 8: homophonic
Contrapuntal meaning
two or more independent melodic lines are interwoven together, creating a complex texture
Describe the harmony of all 3 movements
diatonic, functional, perfect cadences to confirm modulations, suspensions (Mvt. 1 and 2)
Describe the tonality of all 3 movements
Mvt. 1 and 2 revolve around the tonic (D), the dominant (A) and the subdominant (G) and end in D
Mvt. 1: modulates through minor keys, returns to D ending with a tonic pedal
Mvt. 2: introduces minor keys e.g. F sharp minor (gloomy), chromatic movement in soprano still revolves around D
Mvt. 3: brief modulation to A then returns to D, moves through G to reach Em (imminent hope)
