Sinfonia No. 1 in C major, BWV 787

8.1 Balance three independent lines

Study Bach’s three-voice Sinfonia in C major, BWV 787, following each line through its rests and sustaining its held notes, and balancing the middle voice against the outer two. In the separate keyboard model, connect four written voices and listen for their independence and any unwanted parallel fifths or octaves.

Ideas

• Voice leading
• Independent voices

Theory cards

• Four-part voice leading
• Preparing and resolving a suspension
• Species counterpoint

Technique

• C major five-finger pattern, hands separately