Brandenburg Concerto

1. Describe what is meant by the term ritornello and explain how it relates to the first movement of the Concerto.
Ritornello is when an opening instrumental section is used to introduce important musical ideas, these then return in contrasting keys throughout the piece but always return to the tonic key to finish the piece. Each Ritornello is normally followed by a small contrasting section of music called an Episode. This relates to the first movement of the concerto because it is in Ritornello form with 5 ritornello sections and 3 Episodes.

2. Name the two most important chords used in the movement

The two most important chords are chords I and V as these are the tonic and Dominant chords of the keys used.

3. Explain what is meant by the terms concerto grosso, concertino and ripieno. Name specific instruments as part of these groups where necessary.
Concerto Grosso This is when the same musical material is shared between different sections of the orchestra. Concertino Woodwind soloists in a Baroque Orchestra. Ripieno A Large String section of a Baroque Orchestra.

4. Name one typical continuo instrument. How do harmony instruments know which notes to play?
A typical Continuo instrument is the harpsichord. The harmony instruments know which noted to play by looking at the bass note shown.

5. Bachs Bradenburg Concerto is often described as being influenced by Vivaldi. What evidence is in the score to suggest that this is true?

6. Describe the overall structure of Bachs Brandenburg Concerto, giving appropriate bar references and modulations for all episodes (solos) and ritornello. 7. Identify the home key at the beginning and write down bar references for where the music modulates and specific keys.