Solution to Canon 2. a 2 Violini in unisono

Solution: [This and the remaining “solution” sections are not in dialogue form, but are directed to the reader.]

How many voices are there?

Clefs:

There is a G-clef in the upper section with a counterpoint voice, and an F-clef in the lower section with the Royal theme. This, in itself, indicates that there are at least two voices.

Look at the title:

The “a 2” in the title indicates that there are two voices in canon with each other. “Unisono” indicates that the two voices are identical – in unison. Since those two voices have to be identical, and played as a canon with each other, this means that there has to be an additional voice, because the upper and lower voices that are written out are different. Where could the other voice be?

Is there % ?

The % above measure 2, in the upper voice, indicates that there is another voice, just like the upper one, that enters when the first voice has gotten to measure two, as in a regular canon like “Row, row, row your boat.” Therefore, there are three voices in this canon – two which play the top line counterpoint, as a regular canon – with a leader and a follower, and one which plays the bottom line, the Royal theme.

What is the transformation principle between the two voices in canon with each other?

There is a displacement of time, of one measure, between the two voices in canon with each other.


Geometrical Projection:

Make a geometric projection of the two voices in canon, with two of your like triangles, or other identical geometrical figures. As before, start with them exactly on top of each other. Then move the top one, the leader, to the position where the musical leader would be, when the follower starts. Then, move them both forward, maintaining this relative relationship.

canon 2 animation


Performance:

Play the upper voice alone as written:

Listen here to the flute playing this line.

Play the two upper voices as a canon. Do this by starting the follower on the violin, piano, or another instrument, after the flute arrives at the “start here” symbol, after one measure. (The measure begins with a rest.)

Sing the Royal theme bottom line (notice the rhythmical change in the next-to-last measure)

Perform all three voices together. It is best is if you have two violins playing the canonical voices, as Bach indicates in the title.


Invent your own example:

Invent a simple four-note motive.

Start the follower after the leader has played two notes.

Change the motive, if necessary.

Try again, with a longer motive.


To canon 3