What do you do if you're stuck in Bach Chorale Harmonisation?

When deciding where to take a phrase, look at the final 3 or 4 notes of the phrase. This will give you an indication of the chord you will use as a pivot chord.Pivot chords are essential for modulating through a phrase. They are chords that are common to both keys ie. the original key and the key you are wishing to travel too.If you're stuck with parallels or can't find a pivot chord that works, I would recommend trying to modulate to a different key with a different cadence. If this yields no results, try pivoting earlier in the phrase.Remember, always rely on your primary chords when in trouble (I, IV, V), try these in first inversion as well as root position (be careful not to double any thirds!)

JR
Answered by Joe R. Music tutor

4025 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between a dominant 7th, a diminished 7th and a major 7th chord?


What are the key features of sonata form and why is this form significant in the Western Classical tradition?


Why does my set work only partially conform to Sonata Form?


Identify FOUR features of Anton Webern's Op.22 Quartet Mvt.I that are typical of the early 20th Century style.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning