Grade 8 Music Theory ABRSM The Trio Sonata Question

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The Trio Sonata question is worth 15% of the Grade 8 Music Theory ABRSM exam.
You are given an incomplete Trio Sonata, and you need to fill in the gaps according to the given figured bass, but also taking into account sequences, imitation and stylistic issues such as melodic and rhythmic ideas.
In this video I show you how I tackle the question.
I break it down into three sections.
First you need to work out the key, and also any modulations. You do this by looking at the chords indicated by the figured bass (e.g. C major etc.) and then fitting them together using Roman numeral notation e.g. V-I.
Doing this helps you to understand how the harmony works, and also helps to pinpoint likely cadence points.
Cadences need special treatment - a cadence is a natural pause, so you need to use slightly slower rhythmic values to help indicate this.
After sorting out the chords, go through and look for obvious places where sequences or imitation fit. Look at the fragments of melody given to you, and see if they resemble other parts of the piece. You can also see whether harmonic patterns are repeated.
Finally, you need to fill in what's left with your own ideas, which must fit the style of the period. Make sure you have a chord note coinciding with every change of harmony. Pick chord notes according to good voice-leading (move in small steps) and according the conventions of doubling and avoiding consecutive perfect intervals.
Then, fill in the gaps between the chord note with melodic decoration, for example, passing notes, auxiliary notes, anticipations and so on. Keep the parts independent rhythmically for the most part. Slow down at cadences. Re-use melodic and rhythmic ideas from the rest of the piece.
When you have finished, check carefully for grammatical errors, and make sure you have included any obligatory notes according to the figured bass. Also check you have not missed out any beats!

For more about the ABRSM music theory exams see
http://www.mymusictheory.com and
http://abrsm.org