from J.S.Bach, of course. Have you ever noticed this work begins in E minor and ends in C minor? Well, I don't know what the "rules" were for an oratorio in those days, but it looks rather strange for some like me. At least the mass in b minor begins in b minor and ends in D major. But the weird thing is that, the movement being in C minor the armature or key signature is that of G minor (or B flat major if you like). I think there must be other important movements written in C minor too. The theme (there are other themes too but I don't remember) starts in C minor and ends in E flat mayor. This modulation alone is a wonder of music. Well, I only wanted to remark these two things. The odd key signature and the fact that it ends in a key not even related to that of the opening movement.
Another distinguished feature is the final chord. It is a tonic chord of course and hence a chord build upon C, but you'll notice it begins with the seventh degree (a B natural) merged into the cord at first, thus creating a feeling of friction, but afterwards resolving to C. Music was really a full developed art by that time indeed.
Another distinguished feature is the final chord. It is a tonic chord of course and hence a chord build upon C, but you'll notice it begins with the seventh degree (a B natural) merged into the cord at first, thus creating a feeling of friction, but afterwards resolving to C. Music was really a full developed art by that time indeed.
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