Analysis of the C Major Invention (BWV 772) by Bach

Conclusion

The following table resumes the counterpoint techniques used by Bach in this invention:

Technique	Measures
Imitation	1-2; 5-6; 7-8; 11-12; 13-14; 19-20
Inversion	3-4; 11-12; 13-14; 15-18; 19-20
Augmentation	3-4; 11-12; 19-20
Inversion and augmentation	19-20
Invertible counterpoint	7-8; 11-12
Sequences	3-4; 9-10; 11-12; 15-18; 19-20

Harmonic Plan

The harmonic plan used in this invention is similar to those of other invention and of fugues:

• It begins and ends in the main key.
• The first modulation is to the dominant key or in the case of minor keys to the relative major.
• One or more modulation to related keys (in this case, D Minor, F Major and A Minor).

To see an animated analysis of this invention, click here.