Music For A While

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

The piece is in ternary form

The first section A begins after a short three bar introduction

The B section begins in bar 23 and by bar 29, final section A starts

Use of ground bass - bass line repeats every three bars

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

Soprano voice, harpsichord and bass violin used

Use of basso continuo, common feature of baroque music

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

Overall texture is melody with accompaniment, drawing focus to lyrics

There is use of imitation between RH harpsichord and soprano - 20, 21

The left hand of the bass violin and harpsichord play unison throughout

The right hand harpsichord has an interesting melodic line

Question 4

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo

Answer 4

The metre is 4/4

Bass line is in quavers to create a sense of sensibility

RH harpsichord and soprano used semi quavers

No tempo markings

Dotted rhythms and off-beat rhythms - 24

Question 5

Melody

Answer 5

Descending sequence - 20,21

Passing notes - 5

Lots of disjunct movement - perfect 5th

Melismatic movement - 19-22

Use of word painting ‘drop,drop’ - 24,25,19-22

Question 6

Harmony & tonality

Answer 6

Harpsichord plays arpeggiated chords

Use of tierce de Picardie in bar 28

The ground bass acts as ostinato

Use of perfect cadences

Use of suspension - 3,13,14

Tension created by false relation - 9

Overall tonality is A minor

E minor in 15, C major in 22, A minor in 23, E major in 24-27