Lesson 1 Introduction

What is analysis?

01. Analyis of form structure and texture

03. Texture

Memorize the key terms!

  • Unity, segmentation; repetition, variation, contrast
  • drone, ostinato, imitation, variation, figuration, homophony, polyphony, heterophony

Listening example: Saltarello - Guilllaume Dufay


Lesson 2 

08. Describing musical sound 

We compare the first minute of the following two tracks: (Brahms Clarinet trio) 

example 1

example 2

 Music and notation: different types of scores and how to read them.

Basic concepts of harmony.

01. Primary and secondary triads, degrees, harmonic functions

Ways of coding/labeling harmony.


Lesson 3

Our first score analysis: Vivaldi

PDF of score

Ritornello form 

Motivic material and techniques: sequence, chain of dominants, modulation, pivot chord.

Ritornello form is elaborately discussed in AHWM chapter 22.

Basics of four-part setting (SATB), general rules of thumb, voice leading.


Lesson 4

Bach French Suite C minor part 1 (PDF).

Bach French Suite C minor part 1 with annotations (PDF).

Example of a binary form, tonally moving from c minor to the dominant and back.

Following the harmony with chord symbols (above the grand staff) and roman numerals (degrees) when possible (below the grand staff).

Pinpoint cadential formulas, sequences, modulations.

Spotify (Murray Perahia).


Lesson 5

Ludwig van Beethoven(1770-1827)

Sonata Op. 14 nr 2 in G major first movement (PDF)

Spotify link (Murray Perahia)


Auditory analyse

Grieg Holberg Suite: Gavotte-musette-gavotte (Spotify link)

form scheme


Score analysis

Haydn Sunrise Quartet Second Movement (PDF)

Spoitify link


Contrapuntal music JSB

Contrapunctus I - Kunst der Fuge

Fugue in G minor from Das Wohl Temperierte Klavier I

Fugue in G major from Das Wohl Temperierte Klavier I

See for details analysis examples.


The Rule of the Octave and its importance for understanding common practice harmony.

Video Earlymusicsources.com