Quiescenza

The quiescenza is another common pattern used at the beginning of Baroque pieces.


This simple idea gives rise to a four part progression similar to the previous opening formula:


Here are a couple of examples:

Bach prelude BWV 939

Bach, Violin Concerto in A minor BWV 1041, second movement

1 Comment

  1. I wonder if you could provide an example of the Quiescenza in minor mode.
    Also, as I am a not very knowledgable about harmony : could you explain why the secondary leading tone “e” in the formula descends to “c”. I thought leading tones had to resolve to the tonic.
    Thanks very much for your help in advance.

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