Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Continuing our mini-series exploring Bach’s canonic variations on the Christmas song, ‘Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her’ BWV 769, we listen to the second canon: a canon at the perfect fifth.
Here is what the initial shape looks like in the right hand:
So the same shape must be imitated down the perfect fifth. It appears like this in the left hand:
I briefly mention the difference between ‘tonal’ and ‘real’ answers. Although the majority of the imitating line appears a perfect fifth below the leader, several accidentals are changed to keep the overall tonality. Hence Bach here gives us a ‘real answer.’ (I.e. where the F# and G# appear in the left hand, find the corresponding notes in the right hand, note the resulting intervals are diminished fifths, not perfect.)
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Continuing our mini-series exploring Bach’s canonic variations on the Christmas song, ‘Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her’ BWV 769, we listen to the second canon: a canon at the perfect fifth.
Here is what the initial shape looks like in the right hand:
So the same shape must be imitated down the perfect fifth. It appears like this in the left hand:
I briefly mention the difference between ‘tonal’ and ‘real’ answers. Although the majority of the imitating line appears a perfect fifth below the leader, several accidentals are changed to keep the overall tonality. Hence Bach here gives us a ‘real answer.’ (I.e. where the F# and G# appear in the left hand, find the corresponding notes in the right hand, note the resulting intervals are diminished fifths, not perfect.)
We Rely On Listener Support! How to Donate to this Podcast:
The best way to support this podcast, is to become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com (http://wtfbach.substack.com)
Enough paid subscribers = exclusive content, monthly merchandise giveaways!
You can also make a one-time donation here:
paypal.me/wtfbach
venmo.com/wtfbach
https://cash.app/$wtfbach
Thank you for listening! Thank you for your support.
Get full access to WTF Bach? at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe (wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
