Can You Play a Chorale on the Piano?

Growing up I learned 4-part harmony (Bach Chorale type of composing) from my father. It is a glorious type of music written for soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers. There are rules you learn in order to get the sound of composers who wrote chorale music of that time. Interestingly, the rules (or more accurately, observations) of this writing permeates virtually all music written subsequently! So, while it may seem that there is an arbitrary nature to learning how to compose (and in this case improvise) in strict 4 part writing, it has benefits in understanding and creating rich harmonies in any tonal music.

This morning improvisation is highly influenced by the training I had so years ago which has formed a foundation for my musical understanding and creation. Hope you enjoy!

[mymatemartin]

Thanks Robert. That was lovely. Various influences coming through in that beautiful improv.

[drbekken]

Very nice. Your videos are always interesting.

[democraticpatriot]

I was expecting to hear a Bach four part hymn harmonization, or the initial theme of one of Beethoven’s late sonata second movements.

[Beyondabsence]

Bach chorales are enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for them!

[MauPP]

How do you learn to improv?? How can you build the harmony??