Badinerie Analysis
Badinerie Analysis
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Before you look at the analysis, remember some key facts of the Baroque period:
1600 - 1750 Composers: Bach, Handel, Vivaldi Terraced Dynamics
Ornamentation Use of Harpsichord Basso Continuo
Melody
The piece is made up of melodic two motifs. These repeat throughout the piece.
These motifs are played by the flute.
The motif is a descending B minor arpeggio/broken chord with a characteristic quaver and semiquaver rhythm.
This motif is an ascending semiquaver figure consisting of both arpeggios/ broken chords and conjunct movement.
How does the melody develop?
There is use of sequence.
The movement also includes ornaments and compositional devices typical of the Baroque era
(trills, appoggiaturas and sequences)
Appogiaturra
An appoggiatura is a type of grace note that leans on the main note. 🎵
It’s when you play or sing a note that doesn’t belong to the chord, hold it for a moment to create tension, and then move to the main note.
👉 Simple example:
If the main note is C, you might first play D and then move to C.
It makes the music sound more expressive or emotional, like a little sigh before landing on the real note.
Trill
A trill is when you quickly move back and forth between two notes that are next to each other. 🎶
👉 For example, if the note is C, you’d rapidly alternate between C and D.
It adds decoration and energy to the music — like a musical “vibration” or sparkle! ✨
Watch these videos for further explanations on the melody with examples
Articulation
There is limited written articulation, but when listening, you can hear the performers using a lot of staccato except when there are written slurs. This is most likely due to the tempo and complex rhythms.
Dynamics
Very little dynamic contrast.
Mostly forte, with some terraced dynamics. However, this is not explicitly marked on the score which is typical of the baroque period.
Texture
Homophonic (melody and accompaniment)
The flute and cello provide the main musical material.
2nd violin and viola provide harmony.
Watch the video to find out more! ➡️
Structure
Binary form with each section repeated once.
sECTION a
sECTION a
Bars 0 - 16¹
Section b
Section b
Bars 16² - 40¹
Harmony & Tonality
The harmony and tonality in Badinerie has frequent modulations, cadences and chords.
SECTION A (KEYS & CADENCES)
Begins in:
B Minor = Tonic (home) Key
Modulates to:
A major 62 – 81 F# minor 82 – 181
Finishes in:
F# Minor = Dominant Key
SECTION B (KEYS & CADENCES)
Begins in:
F# Minor = Dominant Key
Modulates to:
E minor 182 – 201 D major 202 – 241
G major 242 – 261 D major 262 – 301
Finishes in:
B Minor = Tonic (home) Key
Watch these videos for more examples and further understanding
Instruments
Flute - Main melody
Violin 1 - melodic support
Violin 2 - chords/harmony
Viola - chords/harmony
Cello - basso continuo
Tempo & Time
Allegro
Revision
Revision
Click to access revision quizzes
Alternative versions
Alternative versions
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