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Figured bass: analysis and questions

Example 1

Example 1 is a melody with a figured bass. It could be for oboe or recorder as it falls easily within the range of those instruments.

Activity

Play the example possible with the aid of a computer sequencer or second player

EXAMPLE 1 ANALYSIS

Notice the following:

1. The melody quite often moves in disjunctive motion with the bass. (Contrary motion)

2.      When the movement is conjunct it is usually in 3rds or 6ths (similar motion)

3. The melody is NOT necessarily used to complete the harmony.

·        I.e. The player does not have to provide the ‘missing’ 3^rd of the chord as the keyboard player playing the bass will provide this in their realisation of the right hand part.

4.      There are a number of 6/4 chords (2^nd inversion) which are always on stronger beats than the following 5/3 chord (root position)

5.      There are a number of 7^th chords. Those with the figuring 7 are root position chords,

5/6, first inversion 4/3 second inversion and 4/2 third inversion. chords.

Example 1 questions

1. In what key does Example 4 start?

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2. How long is the first musical phrase?

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3. What is the meaning of the 8 and the 7 in the next to the last bar? (Name the chords)

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4. Where is there a harmonic sequence? Name the relevant bars.

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5. What are 7^th chords? Find the first 7^th chord and describe it in terms of the key

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6. What is the meaning of  the 4/3 figuring on bar 7?

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7. Label the first 12 chords with Roman numerals under the bass?

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