Johann Gottfried Vierlings Versuch einer Anleitung zum Präludieren für Ungeübtere

The Versuch einer Anleitung zum Präludieren für Ungeübtere (Leipzig 1794) of the mid-German cantor Johann Gottfried Vierling (1750–1813) gives original insights on the methodology of improvisation in the late 18th century. In a concentrated manner Vierling introduces a canon of models and techniques that were deeply rooted in the “collective memory” of his time. Central aspects of his approach are explicit and systematic treatment of models, configurations of models, the explanation of figured bass texture through its contrapuntal roots, the development of melodies out of upper voices of diverse models and a treatment of form that emerges from models in an organic manner. In the present essay the didactic and systematic potential of the treatise is discussed.