OCR A-Level Music: composing techniques, a complete overview

What this part of the course covers

Composing is the practical AO2 component, assessed by a folio in one of two components and two routes. This overview ties together the components and routes, composing to the OCR-set and learner-set briefs, and the three Composing A technical exercises (chorale, counterpoint, ground bass). Each topic has its own dot-point page with practice questions.

The components and routes

Composing is assessed by Composing A (H543/03) (105 marks, 35 percent, at least 8 minutes, an OCR brief, a free brief and three technical exercises) or Composing B (H543/04) (75 marks, 25 percent, at least 4 minutes, an OCR brief and a free brief). You take one, in a route: Composing A with Performing A (stronger composer) or Composing B with Performing B (stronger performer), weighting the larger practical component towards your strength. Everyone also sits the Listening exam.

Composing to a brief

Both components require two compositions to briefs: the OCR-set brief (with stipulations to satisfy) and the learner-set (free) brief (your own idea). Compose well by reading the brief and listing its requirements, developing one or two strong ideas (rather than adding unrelated material), organising them into a clear structure with contrast and return, scoring idiomatically, and refining by playback and revision.

The technical exercises (Composing A)

Composing A adds three technical exercises assessing craft. The Bach chorale harmonisation harmonises a melody in four parts with functional chords, correct cadences and smooth voice-leading. Two-part counterpoint writes an independent, consonant second line with contrary motion and no consecutives. The ground bass composes varied, developing upper music over a repeating bass with clear implied harmony. All three apply the harmony and tonality you study for listening as writing skills.

How composing fits the course

Composing is AO2 (creating and developing musical ideas with technical control and coherence), 25 percent of the A-Level across the components, assessed practically through a folio. Its parts, the briefs and (for Composing A) the technical exercises, combine creative initiative with technical craft. Together with performing and the listening exam, it completes the qualification, and it draws directly on the harmony you learn for the written paper.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and applied questions on composing techniques. Attempt them, then check against the solutions.

1. State the marks, weighting, duration and content of Composing A and Composing B. (4 marks)
2. What is the difference between the OCR-set and learner-set briefs? (2 marks)
3. What gives a composition coherence? (2 marks)
4. Name the three Composing A technical exercises. (3 marks)
5. In a chorale, what happens to the leading note and a chord's seventh? (2 marks)
6. What is the cardinal error in chorale and counterpoint writing? (1 mark)
7. What gives two-part counterpoint its independence? (2 marks)
8. What two demands must be balanced over a ground bass? (2 marks)