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Study Bach's style by printing, playing and analysing (using roman numerals) these chorale harmonisations. When completing chorale harmonisation exercises, borrow harmonisations from the chorales you have studied below.
Identify the melodic shape of the cadence you are harmonising (e.g. a stepwise descending melody of mediant, supertonic, tonic can be labelled '321''). Use the Chorale Cadence Catalogue to find similar melodies in Bach's chorales, and study the chords used by Bach. 'Borrow' these chords to complete your own harmonisation.
Edited Sam Thyr 2020Identify the melodic shape of the cadence you are harmonising (e.g. a stepwise descending melody of mediant, supertonic, tonic can be labelled '321''). Use the Chorale Cadence Catalogue to find similar melodies in Bach's chorales. 'Borrow' these chords to complete your own harmonisation.
Consider using the following guidelines when harmonising chorales in the style of J.S. Bach. Although Bach himself does not always follow these simplified conventions, applying them to your own work may help you to avoid common mistakes.
Extract from Edexcel A level Music
Extract from Edexcel A level Music
Exam Specification Issue 7
Exam Specification Issue 7
Extract from Edexcel A level Music
Extract from Edexcel A level Music
Administrative Support Guide 2023
Administrative Support Guide 2023
Administrative Support Guide 2025-26
Administrative Support Guide 2025-26
Controlled Conditions
Controlled Conditions
*Students are invited to complete their final A level techniques of composition paper for submission (under controlled conditions) and preparatory study, during supervised lessons, study periods, lunchtimes and after school between 1st April and 10th May.
*Students may use up to 6 hours (or 7.5 hours @ 25% extra time) within these times to complete their final A level composition paper under controlled conditions.
*During the first/second week, following their first period of controlled conditions, most students will complete further preparatory study during lessons, coursework clinics and as homework (outside controlled conditions).
*During the second/third week, following their preparatory study, most students will choose to work under controlled conditions to notate their final answer for no more than 2-3 hours.
*Most students will choose not to work under controlled conditions for the 6 (7.5) hour period in its entirety.
*Students are given freedom in their use of time under controlled conditions to suit them, meaning that...
*Some students who make careful use of the time offered may choose to work under controlled conditions for the 6 (7.5) hour period in its entirety.
*Students please must therefore use the time they desire with care, and before the submission deadline.
*Students please must not plan to complete their work in the days immediately preceding the deadline. These times must be reserved for emergencies (such as absences due to illness etc).
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