10 Bach memes that will accurately teach you music theory

19 February 2020, 09:14 | Updated: 23 June 2020, 10:36

Johann Sebastian Bach memes, to help you get your head around some of the foundations of music theory and write better chorales.

1. Bach was the master of counterpoint

   Just like Doge is the master of the meme.

   

2. You need to learn to love the Chorale

   Introducing your new favourite form, the four-part chorale. As you can see, it was also a favourite of Bach’s, so you’re in good company. Master it, and it will help unlock a world of good harmony and counterpoint, no matter what you’re composing.

   View this post on Instagram

   A post shared by Classic FM (@classicfm) on Feb 17, 2020 at 8:41am PST

3. No parallel fifths

   Guys, when penning the harmonisation of your four-part counterpoint chorale, no consecutive octaves, or parallel fifths.

   

4. Remember leading notes

   This is when pitch resolves – or *leads* – to one semitone higher or lower, creating great shape, contour and tension in your part-writing. Toddler-Bach knows it sounds awesome, so do it!

   

5. Contrary, not similar motion

   Good counterpoint is also about the motion of the parts within those harmonic rules. Contrary motion – where lines move in different directions to each other – should dominate, thus:

   

6. Learn your circle of fifths...

   https://bangdoot.tumblr.com/post/183081639470

7. Major endings

   A picardy third is when a piece in a minor tonality ends on a chord with a major third. At the strike of the chord, dark clouds part, and light and warmth stream through stained-glass windows (or so it sounds). As this meme suggests, Bach used this often – to great effect.

   

8. Don’t worry if it’s hard. Because it is.

   

9. But learn the rules, so you can break them

   Bach was the master, but he was a pro at breaking the harmonic commandments for expressive effect. Following the rules doesn’t create great art, so trust yourself, be creative, inventive, and...

   You guys it is still Bach-tober so think outside the bachs... #melkinit #musicpuns #nevergetsold pic.twitter.com/YLWbthX4Qd

   — Melk Music (@MelkMusic) October 12, 2017

10. Do all this and you will make Bach happy

    Go forth and write, and make JSB smile.