Topmusicanswers
How many chorales did Bach harmonize?
Bach's four-part (or four-voice) chorales are classical music's ultimate masterpieces in harmony. Bach composed a total of over 350 chorales, which come from two sources, the C.P.E.
Are Bach chorales polyphonic?
Bach's chorales are strictly choral arrangements of well-known hymn tunes adorned with elaborate harmony; he never composed an original chorale. In modern times the chorale is considered to be a musical setting, usually polyphonic, of a traditional religious text.
Why are Bach chorales important?
Hymns and chorales are the best pieces for practicing voicing and cantabile playing. Bach himself wrote that he highly valued the keyboardist's ability to play in a cantabile or "singing" fashion and that this was the main reason for composing his Inventions and Sinfonias.
