Bach Chorale - Idiomatic Writing

Idiomatic writing features

1. Passing notes

2. Auxiliary notes

3. Anticipation

4. Accented passing notes

5. Suspensions

Passing Notes

• The most common type of melodic decoration that Bach uses.

• Passing notes can be found/inserted where there is a gap of a third between chord notes.

• PNs often appear in parallel 3rds & 6ths

When to use Unaccented Passing notes

• Unaccented passing notes can be used quite freely provided they do not create parallels.

• Passing notes can be used in two parts provided the move in parallel 3rds or 6ths

Auxiliary Notes

Can be found a step above or below two harmony notes of the same pitch.

When to use Auxiliary Notes

Can be used on chords which have no passing note decoration

Anticipation

Occurs on a weak beat. it anticipates the next harmony note by introducing it before the rest of the chord. Often found just before chord I in a perfect cadence

Accented Passing Notes

• Occur on a weak beat (2 & 4)

• Creates a harmonic conflict or dissonance with the underlying chord

Accented notes are generally added to bass parts to increase harmonic tension

Suspension

• Can occur when chords change on strong beats.

• One part hangs to a note from the old chord, creating a clash with the bass part of the new chord.

• The delayed part falls by step to a note that belongs to the new chord

The 3 stages to a suspension

1. Preparation: The note that will cause the suspension is heard as part of a normal chord (usually on a weak beat)

2. Suspension: The prepared note is held over (or repeated) as the other parts move to a different chord on a stronger beat, creating dissonance between the bass and suspended note

3. Resolution: The suspended note falls by a step to a note of the new chord in order to resolve the dissonance.

Classifications of suspensions

Suspensions are classified according to the intervals between the suspended parts and the bass:

• 9-8 suspensions

• 7-6 suspensions

• 4-3suspensions

When to use a suspension

• Usually inserted in the alto/tenor parts

• Look for stepwise movement as this movement creates opportunities for suspensions

An échappée (escape note)

A note that moves a step above the harmony note and then leaps in the opposite direction (usually by a third) to a new harmony note.

Appoggiatura (leaning note)

Like a suspension without the preparation and is approached by a leap.

NEVER USE THESE IN YOUR BACH CHORALE!!!