A-Level Music - Set Works & Analysis

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J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 1 (Structure & Genre)

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A Baroque orchestral suite in D major that begins with a French-style Overture (slow dotted opening followed by a faster fugal section). The movement sequence is Courante, Gavotte I/II, Forlane, Minuet I/II, Bourrée I/II, and Passepied I/II.

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Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto in G minor Op. 3 No. 2 (Texture)

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Contrapuntal texture. The concerto contrasts a fuller tutti texture with thinner solo episodes, often moving between homophonic passages and more imitative/independent lines.

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Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 'New World' (Theme Inspiration)

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Dvořák incorporates themes influenced by African American spirituals and Native American music, rather than directly quoting them. This is evident in the pentatonic, lyrical English horn solo in the 2nd movement (*Largo*) and the rhythmic drive of the 4th movement, inspired by Longfellow’s *Hiawatha*.

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Florence Price: *Travel's End* (Harmonic Language)

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Price uses a late-Romantic harmonic language infused with the pentatonic scale and syncopated rhythms found in African American spirituals (Juba dance). The piece often features rich chromaticism and modulations to express the text's longing and spiritual rest.

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Margaret Bonds: *Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening* (Text Setting)

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Uses impressionist harmonies and a lyrical, flowing melody to depict the hypnotic, snowy atmosphere. The piano accompaniment often paints the text (e.g., gentle snowfall through repeated figures or pedal points), reflecting the modern American art song style.