What system did Bach use to compose his Prelude in C Major?

Bach - being active during the Baroque period - used lots of different systems and methods for composing, depending on what type of piece he was writing. However, when it comes to his Prelude in C Major, he tends to focus on two main characteristics of the Baroque style; Harmony and Modulation. Harmony can be found in this Prelude at the points where Bach changes chords in the right-hand part - where he often moves to the subdominant or dominant chord, creating a plagal or perfect harmony. This harmony is emphasized because he keeps the root note of the root chord playing, as a pedal in the left-hand part. Bach uses modulation in a similar way, by using the cycle of fifths to modulate around the root chord of C major, including diminished, suspended, inverted and 7th chords.

SB
Answered by Sophie B. Music tutor

4916 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a Recitative and an Aria in Baroque Opera?


What is word painting?


Discuss how changing perceptions of early music (mediaeval to Baroque) has informed the evolution of present-day performance and reception


‘It is Shostakovich’s sense of how to use instrumental colour to enhance his melodic and harmonic ideas which makes this music so marvellous.’ Write an essay discussing this view, referring in detail to at least two contrasting passages from the work.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences