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

Example 5:  J.S. Bach, "O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort" (Eternity, thou thunderous word)
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Score
SATB: SB:

Analytical Commentary
This rather complex sounding tonic expansion nonetheless begins and ends on the tonic chord. Again, notice the emphasis on vi (F-D-A-D) in the bass line and arch shape of the melody. The contrary motion in the outer voices helps give the phrase a strong sense of tonal direction. {Chorale 26, mm. 2-4}