Music theory for Bach's Inventions

An invention is a short musical composition based around two-part counterpoint. Its closest musical cousin is the fugue, but from a music theory perspective, inventions are simpler forms. The invention is closely linked to the German Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who revolutionized contrapuntal music theory.

1. What are Bach's inventions?
2. Are Bach's inventions polyphonic?
3. Are Bach's inventions hard?
4. What grade are Bach's inventions?

What are Bach's inventions?

• The Well-Tempered Clavier I No. 13 in F-sharp major. harpsichord works, BWV 858.
• The Well-Tempered Clavier I No. 1 in C major. harpsichord works, BWV 846.
• Six little preludes. harpsichord works, BWV 933-938.

Are Bach's inventions polyphonic?

invention. A polyphonic keyboard composition in two or three voices exploring imitative counterpoint featuring one or more recurrent fugues known as motives. The term invention is unique and somewhat peculiar to Bach and a few of his contemporaries.

Are Bach's inventions hard?

Bach's inventions are solid early-advanced level pieces. They're written in two parts, which means each hand is playing a melody. These inventions are a great preparation for the more difficult Bach pieces that involve more than two voices (his fugues are in 3-4 parts). ... By Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

What grade are Bach's inventions?

Anyway, the 2 part inventions start at about grade 4-5 (e.g. no. 1) and go up to about grade 6-7 (e.g. no. 8).