Bach Chorale Method

Bach Chorale Checklist

Process

1. Establish cadences and keys

a. Use perfect, imperfect, plagal?

b. Is there a key change, if so where to?

2. List chords of each key you are going to use

3. Start filling in chord symbols (Roman numerals under staves)

a. Only change chord once every crotchet beat (not quavers)

b. Pivot chord – use a chord that is common to both keys to ‘switch’ to the new key.

c. You may wish to use two chord symbols, one for each key, under this chord

4. Fill in the bass line according to your chords

a. Use stepwise motion as much as possible

b. Write in contrary motion to the melody line, this will avoid creating parallels

c. You may need to change your chords if you do create parallels

5. Complete all 4 parts at the cadences

6. Complete all 4 parts according to the chord symbols you have chosen

a. Only double the tonic or dominant note of the chord (only 1st and 5th note in the scale)

b. Use stepwise motion as much as possible in the parts

c. Use root position chords as much as possible, first inversion chords sparingly, second inversion only at cadences (Ic – V7 – I)

7. Check for parallel 5ths and 8ves in all parts. You may need to change some of your chords.

a. S to A

b. S to T

c. S to B

d. A to T

e. A to B

f. T to B

8. Embellish! Add some quaver motion or tied notes (dotted crotchets or minims)

a. Make sure you don’t create parallels though!