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COMPLETING BACH CHORALES :STEP BY STEP METHOD

1.   Inwardly sing the melody and if possible play it on an instrument.

2.   Look at the cadence points and

a)   decide upon the type of cadence:  plagal perfect, interrupted or imperfect.

                  Most cadences in Bach are perfect cadences.    He rarely used interrupted cadences.

b)   Decide upon the modulation if you wish to change key.   Write it in as a comment. i.e. "E major"

c)   Fill in the cadences

                                    some for possible alteration of middle parts with added passing notes etc.

d) Use cadential 6/4s where appropriate. See Cadential and passing 6/4 page for details

The first two chords in the examples can also be used to form a "half close" or a weaker form of phrase ending. Consider carefully whether the phrase should sound unfinished (question phrase) or finished (answer phrase).

3)   Fill in the harmonies immediately preceding the cadence using conventional progressions where possible.

e.g.

4) Look for possible passing 6/4s

Look at the melody for a pattern where you might add a passing 6/4

See Cadential and passing 6/4 page for details

PLEASE NOTE

•     Write out the harmony you need using Roman numerals including all inversions 7ths, 9th chords and passing notes.

•     Indicate all modulations and name key centres.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

•      Work out cadences first.

•      Include accented passing notes, suspensions, passing 6/4s and cadential 6/4 chords.

Checks

1.    crossing, overlapping, big gaps and consecutives.

2.     modulation- check for possibilities

3.     check to see that all the parts move well as melodies.

4.     put in the figuring and check the accuracy of the details.

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