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Hayes Music

A-level, Year 13

Bach chorales

By the end of Year 13 you will harmonise chorale melodies in the style of J.S. Bach, with confident voice leading and chord voicing. Work through the lessons in order, keep the rules sheet open while you write, and use the Chorale Checker to test your work.

Lessons

  1. What a chorale isThe four parts, their ranges and spacing, how we write positions, and a working method.
  2. CadencesThe four cadences, how to approach them, and the mistakes examiners look for.
  3. Choosing chords and a bass lineStrong root progressions, what to avoid, and the restricted chords including 6/4s.
  4. Voice leadingDoubling, consecutive 5ths and octaves, tendency notes and melodic lines.
  5. Sevenths and secondary dominantsPreparing and resolving 7ths, V7 inversions and secondary dominants.
  6. ModulationPivot chords, confirming the new key, getting home, and labelling correctly.
  7. Passing notes and suspensionsNon-chord notes, how a suspension works, and rechecking your decoration.
  8. How the Chorale Checker marks your workMechanical and judgement checks, severity levels, and how fixes are checked.