An Analysis and Comparison of Four Modern Piano
Compositions Incorporating the B-A-C-H Motive: Valse-
improvisation sur le nom de Bach (1932) by Francis
Poulenc, Simbolo from Quaderno Musicale di
Annalibera (1952) by Luigi Dallapiccola,
Variations on BACH (1951) by Jean Coulthard, and
Magnificat (2004) by Sangjick Jun.
This research discusses four compositions written
within the past century that all make use of the B-A-
C-H motive and demonstrate the continuing influence
of Bach upon composers of many nations up to the
present day. Four nations (France, Italy, Canada,
and Korea) are represented in this study by
composers who come from very different backgrounds,
life experiences, and philosophical approaches to
composition. Each work s incorporation of the B-A-C-
H motive is analyzed, with particular attention
going to issues of rhythm, motivic development,
texture, and compositional structure in connection
to the motive. The greatest attention, of course,
goes to the methods each composer uses to employ the
B-A-C-H motive along with its numerous
transformations.
Compositions Incorporating the B-A-C-H Motive: Valse-
improvisation sur le nom de Bach (1932) by Francis
Poulenc, Simbolo from Quaderno Musicale di
Annalibera (1952) by Luigi Dallapiccola,
Variations on BACH (1951) by Jean Coulthard, and
Magnificat (2004) by Sangjick Jun.
This research discusses four compositions written
within the past century that all make use of the B-A-
C-H motive and demonstrate the continuing influence
of Bach upon composers of many nations up to the
present day. Four nations (France, Italy, Canada,
and Korea) are represented in this study by
composers who come from very different backgrounds,
life experiences, and philosophical approaches to
composition. Each work s incorporation of the B-A-C-
H motive is analyzed, with particular attention
going to issues of rhythm, motivic development,
texture, and compositional structure in connection
to the motive. The greatest attention, of course,
goes to the methods each composer uses to employ the
B-A-C-H motive along with its numerous
transformations.