Improvisation Techniques Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Improvisation Techniques flashcards as text
Which technique in organ improvisation is called 'stretto'?
Answer: Overlapping entries of the fugue subject before completion
Stretto occurs when a new entry of the fugue subject begins before the previous entry has finished, creating overlapping imitation.
In an improvised trio sonata texture on the organ, how are the voices typically distributed?
Answer: Two independent melodic voices on separate manuals and bass in pedal
The trio sonata texture assigns two independent melodic voices to separate manuals and the bass line to the pedal, creating three distinct strands.
What is the purpose of using a 'tonal answer' rather than a 'real answer' in a fugue subject?
Answer: To adjust the interval structure to keep the answer within the key
A tonal answer modifies certain intervals of the subject so the answer remains within the original key rather than modulating too strongly.
Which registration is most idiomatic for improvising a French Classic plenum style?
Answer: Full principal chorus with Mixtures (Grand Jeu principal)
The Grand Jeu principal registration—full principal chorus with mixtures—is the characteristic plenum (plein jeu) sound of the French Classic organ.
In improvisation, an 'episode' in a fugue serves which primary function?
Answer: To provide sequential, modulatory material between subject entries
Fugal episodes provide modulatory, sequential passages between subject entries, creating variety and harmonic movement toward new key areas.
When improvising a harmonization, which chord is typically avoided on the leading tone scale degree in a four-voice setting?
Answer: Diminished triad in root position
The diminished triad on the leading tone is typically used in first inversion (viio6) rather than root position to avoid the unstable diminished fifth in the bass.
What is 'free improvisation' in the context of AGO service playing, as opposed to 'liturgical improvisation'?
Answer: Improvisation not tied to a specific hymn tune or liturgical text
Free improvisation is not bound to a pre-existing tune or text, allowing the organist to invent all melodic and harmonic content spontaneously.
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