Comparisons
A comparison between different movements is a useful approach to the study of this work and it would also make interesting exam questions. Compare the 2 choruses, the 3 arias, the 2 recitatives, the 2 Tenor movements, the 2 Bass movements?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Consider the following in such comparisons;
Orchestration - Each movement is different
Voices - Most movements differ.
Tonality - 3 movements in Gminor, the others vary.
Tempo - some similar and some different. Tempo changes in 1 movement.
Textures - Lots of polyphony in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th movements. The others are mainly Homophonic. Imitation is plentiful in the 1st movement.
Sequences - A huge amount in the Arias but not elsewhere.
This is just a guide to some of the similarities and differences between movements.
Melisma and sequences are heard in most movements but not a feature of the 7th.
Consider the following in such comparisons;
Orchestration - Each movement is different
Voices - Most movements differ.
Tonality - 3 movements in Gminor, the others vary.
Tempo - some similar and some different. Tempo changes in 1 movement.
Textures - Lots of polyphony in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th movements. The others are mainly Homophonic. Imitation is plentiful in the 1st movement.
Sequences - A huge amount in the Arias but not elsewhere.
This is just a guide to some of the similarities and differences between movements.
Melisma and sequences are heard in most movements but not a feature of the 7th.