This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.
Asked ChatGPT4o: “How did Bach construct his harmonies?”
Johann Sebastian Bach employed highly advanced and complex techniques in the construction of his harmonies. His method of constructing harmonies is characterized by the following features:
Bachʼs harmonies are based on the clear establishment and reinforcement of tonality. He presents a solid tonality at the beginning of each work and reinforces it through subsequent harmonic progressions.
Bach constructed harmonic progressions by utilizing the functions of harmony (such as tonic, dominant, and subdominant). This creates tension and resolution in the harmony, ensuring musical direction and stability.
Bach was a master of counterpoint and skillfully fused contrapuntal techniques with harmonic progressions. In his fugues and canons, each voice moves independently while forming a harmonious whole.
Bach effectively utilized tension and resolution in harmonic progressions. This includes techniques such as:
Preparation and Resolution of Dissonance:
Chromatic Progressions:
Bach skillfully employed modulation techniques to transition between keys within a piece, creating musical diversity and dynamic changes.
Bach used passing chords and non-chord tones to connect primary chords, smoothing harmonic progressions and enriching melodic lines.
Bach used double cadences (double dominant progressions) to emphasize cadences, providing strong stability and closure at the end of a piece.
In one of Bachʼs famous works, the “St. Matthew Passion” BWV 244, we can see specific examples of his harmonic construction.
Johann Sebastian Bach skillfully combined various techniques in his harmonic construction, including the establishment and reinforcement of tonality, use of functional harmony, fusion of counterpoint and harmony, tension and resolution in harmony, modulation, passing chords and non-chord tones, and double cadences. As a result, his music possesses rich expressiveness and structural beauty.
Asked ChatGPT4o: “Did Bach use unresolved dissonances?”
Johann Sebastian Bach often composed according to strict rules of harmony, so dissonances are generally resolved. However, his works do contain unresolved dissonances or intentionally prolonged dissonances, used particularly to emphasize emotional expression or dramatic effects.
Bach frequently used suspensions, and sometimes they progress without resolution. This technique is particularly effective for sustaining tension.
Example:
Appoggiaturas are generally resolved, but Bach sometimes used unresolved appoggiaturas to emphasize specific emotions.
Example:
Bach often used chromatic progressions, creating strong tension by allowing dissonances to continue unresolved.
Example:
In Bachʼs chorale preludes, unresolved dissonances are often used to emphasize melodic lines and emotional expression.
Example:
In Bachʼs fugues, unresolved dissonances are sometimes used intentionally through contrapuntal techniques, adding tension and dynamism to the musical flow.
Example:
While Johann Sebastian Bach adhered to strict rules of harmony, he sometimes used unresolved dissonances to emphasize emotional expression or dramatic effects. This adds rich expressiveness and tension to his music. Through Bachʼs works, one can perceive how the use of unresolved dissonances creates musical effects.
Asked ChatGPT4o: “Did Bach have access to Rameauʼs book on harmony?”
There is no clear historical evidence that Johann Sebastian Bach had access to Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs book on harmony, "Traité de lʼharmonie réduite à ses principes naturels." However, given Bachʼs deep interest in music theory and other composersʼ works throughout his life, it is possible that he was aware of Rameauʼs theories.
Interest in Contemporary Theoretical Works
European Music Network
Influence of Rameau
There is no specific evidence that Bach obtained Rameauʼs "Traité de lʼharmonie." Bachʼs library list, letters, and diaries do not mention Rameauʼs works, so nothing can be said for certain.
It is unclear whether Johann Sebastian Bach actually obtained Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs book on harmony, "Traité de lʼharmonie réduite à ses principes naturels." Considering Bachʼs deep interest in music theory throughout his life and his familiarity with other composersʼ theories, it is possible that he was aware of Rameauʼs theories, but there is no specific historical evidence. Nevertheless, the common elements in their theories suggest that contemporary music theory was widely shared.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Were there other authors besides Rameau who wrote books on harmony during Rameau and Bachʼs time?"
During the time of Jean-Philippe Rameau and Johann Sebastian Bach, there were other theorists and composers who wrote about harmony and music theory. Below are some of the main figures who wrote books on harmony besides Rameau and their contributions:
During the time of Jean-Philippe Rameau and Johann Sebastian Bach, there were other theorists and composers who wrote about harmony and music theory. These works significantly influenced the understanding of harmony and music education, and many musicians and students learned these theories. The works of Fux, Couperin, Martini, and dʼAgincourt, among others, contributed to the development of 18th-century music theory alongside Rameauʼs theories.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Were the above books influenced by Rameauʼs book on harmony?"
Among the music theory books mentioned above, many were not directly influenced by Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs “Traité de lʼharmonie réduite à ses principes naturels” (1722). These theoretical books were written by authors who were active during or around the same time as Rameau, and many were written before Rameauʼs theories became widely known.
Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs “Traité de lʼharmonie réduite à ses principes naturels” had a significant impact on the development of harmony theory. Particularly from the late 18th to the 19th century, his theory became a standard textbook in music theory, influencing many composers and theorists. However, it took time for Rameauʼs theory to become widely recognized, and many contemporary theoretical books were not directly influenced by him.
Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs harmony theory had a significant impact on later music theory, but many contemporary theoretical books (especially those written before or around the time Rameauʼs theory was published) were not directly influenced by him. Rameauʼs theory became widely accepted as a standard in music theory from the late 18th to the 19th century, continuing to hold an important position in music education and composition techniques.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Why did it take so long for Rameauʼs theory to become widespread?"
Several factors contributed to the delay in the widespread acceptance of Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs harmony theory. Here are the main reasons:
Rameauʼs “Traité de lʼharmonie réduite à ses principes naturels” (1722) was highly innovative in the context of contemporary music theory. His theory systematized the principles of harmony based on natural laws, taking a different approach from the traditional counterpoint-centered theories. This new approach took time for musicians and theorists, who had received traditional music education, to understand and accept.
Early 18th-century music education focused mainly on counterpoint and practical performance techniques. Rameauʼs harmony theory delved deeply into the theoretical aspects of music, making it difficult to immediately incorporate into educational settings. There was a gap between practical music education and theoretical music research.
Rameauʼs works, written in French, attracted attention in France but took time to become widely disseminated in other European countries. Issues with translation and publication distribution affected this.
In various parts of Europe, there were respected music theorists in each region. For example, in Germany, Johann Joseph Fuxʼs “Gradus ad Parnassum” was widely accepted, and Fuxʼs counterpoint theory was mainstream. The strong influence of regional theorists delayed the widespread acceptance of Rameauʼs theory.
As musical styles and practices evolved, it took time for Rameauʼs theory to be clearly applied in practice. Particularly in the late 18th century, as the style of classical music was established and the understanding of harmony became more important, Rameauʼs theory began to be reevaluated.
Rameauʼs theory initially faced much criticism and debate. His approach met with resistance from some musicians and theorists, but over time, the validity of his theory became recognized.
The delay in the widespread acceptance of Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs harmony theory was due to its innovative content and conflict with traditional theories, the gap between music education and practice, issues with the dissemination of his works, the influence of regional theorists, the evolution of musical styles, and initial criticism and debate. Nevertheless, from the late 18th to the 19th century, Rameauʼs theory gradually spread and came to occupy an important position in music education and composition techniques.