An invariant phenomenon of symmetry by specular reflection In Johann Sebastian Bach’s chorales

Abstract

Traditional methods of harmonic analysis do not allow the construction of an efficient ‘synthetic’ model of the studied corpus, capable to produce not only pertinent but stylistically bounded imitations of Bach's chorales, but also to investigate the singularities of the use of dissonance that allow us understanding the further evolution of the harmonic system. This is due to our understanding that the analytical model of the Roman cipher was conceived for practical performance purposes to indicate the movement of the thorough bass. The systematic application of the immanent analysis to the harmonic level, involving a discussion on the methods of determining virtual fundamentals, allows discovering non-evident symmetry relationships, which are strikingly repeated in all the corals studied, which is why we draw up the hypothesis of the existence of an invariant phenomenon.