A model should not be confused with the description of the musical form or genre. In this sense, this model here should not be confused with an archetypal description of the italian concerto.
By “Model” i mean a structure and pattern of improvisation that has didactic value with the minimum acceptable artistical value. This means, something that could be considered good, even in the most urgent situation. Here I give an example of music commonly used at start or end of liturgical services, even today. You see for exaple, that even my left hand fail some times, due to the attempt of keeping so clear as possible.
The importance of this, is that in this way the student can have a feeling of “I can do it”, indispensable for the motivation necessary to deal with the struggles of improvisation.
The model is:
FORM
- A a: Allegro phrases over ostinato pedal point exposes a not strict thematic material exposed in a short section. This same texture is kept through the whole improvisation. At least the harmonic structure of the theme (even with pedal point!) has the function to be very clear, upfront, and able to be remembered.
- A b : An answering section based on sequences. The phrasing assembles the phrase of the exposition. Here is important to prepare to come back to the tonic
- Aa’: idem var.
- Ab’: idem var.
- B : Some intensification of Ab, with more harmonic freedom and, if possible, tension.
- A a’’: var. with strong and definitive cadence. Here is very good if you can remember the initial version of the theme.
- HARMONY
- Main functions
- A balance between up and downward sequence