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Johann Sebastian Bach

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Analysis of Concerto in F Minor for Harpsichord and Strings Movement 3: Presto

Johann Sebastian Bach’s third movement, Presto, of the Concerto in F Minor for harpsichord and strings provides ample expertly crafted material for analysis. This movement is in a binary form in which an opening ritornello alternates episodes of solo material. The ritornello, full of easily recognizable material provided by both the orchestra and solo harpsichord, provides a stable back drop in between each solo section where the solo part creates drama and excitement. Many of these themes come back in strategic spots in order to heighten the drama of the movement. J.S. Bach uses many of techniques characteristic of the Baroque period, including imitation, vordersatz, fortspinnung, and epilogue, to help increase the drama and tension of the piece in order to affect the listener’s emotions. In this essay, I will be analyzing the form, compositional techniques, and historical context of the Presto movement of J.S. Bach’s Concerto in F Minor for harpsichord and strings. In analyzing the form of this movement, one can see three distinct themes in the opening ritornello, which are then brought back in various episodes of solo material, in abbreviated versions of the ritornello. These three themes all return in the final ritornello to help create a sense of closure to the piece. In the opening ritornello, we see an example of vodersatz, where the opening theme, theme A, is stated for the first time.

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