What keys can I modulate to when harmonizing a Bach chorale?

There are 5 keys which a Bach chorale could modulate to*. Two of these are the dominant and the subdominant (based on the 5th and 4th degree of the home key respectively). If the home key is major then the chorale could modulate to the relative minor as well as to the relative minor of the dominant or the subdominant. If the home key is minor then the opposite applies (i.e. it can modulate to the relative major of the home key, dominant, or subdominant).For example, if the home key of a chorale is D major, it could modulate to: B minor (the relative minor), A major (the dominant), F sharp minor (the relative minor of the dominant), G major (the subdominant) and E minor (the relative minor of the subdominant). A chorale in B minor could modulate to all of these keys as well as to D major.*Bach does sometimes use keys other than these but you would not encounter this in your A level chorale as it is rare and unusual.

Answered by Aaron K. Music tutor

3649 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the role of Miles Davis as a soloist and band leader in 'Round Midnight'.


What is a Ripieno?


How do you start to harmonise a 4-part Bach-style Chorale?


Highlight and explain the interest of an harmonic feature from the 2nd mvt. of Schubert's Piano Trio in Bb.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences