Peer Review

Canons and Fugues of J.S. Bach

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Reviewed:: Jan 27, 2004 by Music

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Ratings

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Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

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Overview:: This site provides a comprehensive online textbook and tutorial in the fugal and canonic writing of J.S. Bach. The site include links to other related sites. The main topics headings are: The Canons, The Fugues, Miscellaneous Bach Analyses, Bach's World, Essays, and Links to Bach Resources on the WWW.
Type of Material:: This is an electronic textbook which includes music and graphic illustrations. Multimedia is available when combined with a compact disc of the musical examples.
Recommended Uses:: The site should be used as classroom lesson material, assignments, self-study and reference materials in the study of composition, 18th century counterpoint, music history or analysis.
Technical Requirements:: This site works well with any computer with an online connection and a current browser. The user will need to purchase the required compact disc and download software (CD Link) to use the multimedia.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The major learning goal is to provide an understanding of the compositional process, techniques and structure in the fugal writing of J.S. Bach.
Target Student Population:: This site is ideal for intermediate and advanced college, university and conservatory undergraduate students. Especially students focusing on compositon, history or analysis.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic computer and Internet skills are needed to access and use this site. Familiarity with college level music theory concepts (i.e., diatonic and chromatic harmony) are necessary for students to understand the compositional detail discussed.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The information in this site is accurate, comprehensive and detailed. Concepts are explained in clear and precise language and musical examples are clearly and accurately notated.
Concerns:: None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The combination of clear, comprehensive and detailed text and notated musical examples combined with audio make this an exceptional multimedia study site on the canons and fugues of J. S. Bach. The sectional or modular organization of the site into topics makes the site easy to adapt to a variety of instructional designs.
Concerns:: None.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The site is easy to use.
Concerns:: The use of dated software (Hypercard and CD Link) along with the need to obtain and use the correct compact disc recording to operate the site may discourage students from using this site. Navigation through this complex site is relatively straightforward. However, the user can get lost following the many supporting links.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is an excellent presentation and analysis of the canons and fugues of J.S. Bach. There is something for all music theory students to learn or review. The background information is also very complete.
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