Study 1: 1700-1820: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5

What harmonic techniques does Bach employ in this movement?

• He uses complex, chromatic chords with no melodic decorations.

• He uses simple, diatonic chords (triads and dominant sevenths), enhanced by melodic decorations such as appoggiaturas and suspensions.

• He employs only tonic chords without any pedal points.

• He focuses solely on rhythmic variations without harmonic changes.

Which dance style influences the rhythmic character of the movement?

• Waltz

• Gigue

• Samba

• Tango

Describe the B section in terms of key and structure.

• The B section begins and ends in C major and uses a sonata form structure.

• The B section begins and ends in B minor and uses a ritornello structure where short episodes alternate with contrasting ritornelli from the A section.

• The B section is in A major and follows a through-composed form.

• The B section starts in B minor and ends in D major, using a theme and variations structure.

What is significant about the harpsichord part in this concerto?

• It is the first concerto to feature a solo part for the harpsichord.

• The harpsichord part is the longest in any concerto.

• The harpsichord is used only in the introduction of the concerto.

• The harpsichord part is played by multiple instruments.

What characterizes the A section of the movement?

• It is a fugato in D major where the opening tune (the subject) is imitated by each instrument in turn, with overlapping entries and even a stretto near the end.

• It features a slow adagio tempo with a single melodic line played by the strings.

• It is a lively allegro section dominated by brass instruments playing a fanfare.

• It consists of a series of contrasting themes presented in a rondo form.

How would you describe the texture of the movement?

• The texture is predominantly homophonic with a single melodic line.

• The texture is predominantly contrapuntal with imitative entries (fugato style).

• The texture is primarily monophonic with no variations.

• The texture is mainly rhythmic with no melodic elements.

What instruments make up the concertino (solo group) in this concerto?

• Flute, principal violin, and harpsichord

• Trumpet, cello, and piano

• Clarinet, viola, and organ

• Saxophone, double bass, and guitar

What does the “Da Capo” marking indicate in this movement?

• It instructs the performers to repeat the first section (A) at the end, reinforcing the ternary form (A–B–A).

• It indicates a change in tempo for the second section.

• It signifies a transition to a new key signature in the movement.

• It directs the performers to play the second section (B) twice before returning to the first section.

What period and genre does this work belong to?

• Late Baroque period and concerto grosso

• Early Classical period and symphony

• Romantic period and sonata

• Renaissance period and madrigal

When was this concerto composed and published?

• Composed in 1721 and published in 1850

• Composed in 1700 and published in 1750

• Composed in 1800 and published in 1850

• Composed in 1721 and published in 1900