Listen Johan Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata for organ in D minor” up to 2’ 50.” What is dramatic (i.e.,“Baroque”) in this piece? Give three examples.

Arguably, the first thing that draws the listeners’ attention in this piece is Bach’s ornamental use of arpeggio, a music device that presupposes notes in the chord being played sequentially rather than simultaneously. Hence, such a device allows the composer freedom in the note arrangement and moves him further from conventional Renaissance music. Second, there is an evident change in the dynamics of the piece, characterized by constant changes between fortissimo, or loud performance, and pianissimo, which is notably softer and quieter.

Finally, there are rapid changes in the piece’s range, varying from high key building up to a climax and sudden transition to low key. Hence, changes in dynamics, ornamental use of arpeggio, and sudden range diversity make Bach’s Toccata for organ in D minor a prominent example of extravagant Baroque music.

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Academic.Tips. (2022, November 4). Listen Johan Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata for organ in D minor” up to 2’ 50.” What is dramatic (i.e.,“Baroque”) in this piece? Give three examples. https://academic.tips/question/listen-johan-sebastian-bachs-toccata-for-organ-in-d-minor-up-to-2-50-what-is-dramatic-i-e-baroque-in-this-piece-give-three-examples/

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Listen Johan Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata for organ in D minor” up to 2’ 50.” What is dramatic (i.e.,“Baroque”) in this piece? Give three examples." November 4, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/listen-johan-sebastian-bachs-toccata-for-organ-in-d-minor-up-to-2-50-what-is-dramatic-i-e-baroque-in-this-piece-give-three-examples/.

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Academic.Tips. "Listen Johan Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata for organ in D minor” up to 2’ 50.” What is dramatic (i.e.,“Baroque”) in this piece? Give three examples." November 4, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/listen-johan-sebastian-bachs-toccata-for-organ-in-d-minor-up-to-2-50-what-is-dramatic-i-e-baroque-in-this-piece-give-three-examples/.

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"Listen Johan Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata for organ in D minor” up to 2’ 50.” What is dramatic (i.e.,“Baroque”) in this piece? Give three examples." Academic.Tips, 4 Nov. 2022, academic.tips/question/listen-johan-sebastian-bachs-toccata-for-organ-in-d-minor-up-to-2-50-what-is-dramatic-i-e-baroque-in-this-piece-give-three-examples/.

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