Contextual Analysis of Chorale Phrase Harmonizations by J.S. Bach

Example 2:  J.S. Bach, "O Herre Gott, dein göttlich Wort" (O Lord God, your divine word)
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Score
SATB: SB:

Analytical Commentary
Compare the imperfect authentic cadence (IAC) in this example with the PAC in the previous example. Notice how an IAC sounds significantly less conclusive than a PAC. Also compare the use of root position chords (exclusively) in this harmonization with the occasional use of inverted chords to create a linear bass in the previous example. Study the bass line carefully, noting how it arpeggiates (or outlines) the vi chord at the beginning of the phrase. The vi chord is also emphasized in the V7-vi deceptive motion that concludes the tonic expansion. {Chorale 14, mm. 1-2}