Form Vocabulary Flashcards

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1
Q

Form

A

The organization of ideas in a musical composition.

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2
Q

Repetition

A

When a musical idea happens again and again.

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3
Q

Contrast

A

When a new, different musical idea is used in a piece.

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4
Q

Verse

A

Often in vocal music, as an area of contrast to the chorus. An area where the melody and rhythm mainly stay the same, but the words (lyrics) change.

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5
Q

Chorus

A

A section in vocal music, meant to contrast the verse section. In the chorus the lyrics and melody stay the same in each repetition.

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6
Q

Binary Form

A

A form consisting of two main parts. Often diagramed as “A B.”

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7
Q

Ternary Form

A

A form consisting of three main parts. Often diagramed as “A B A.”

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8
Q

Subsidiary Form

A

The organization and design of a small section from a larger piece of music.

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9
Q

Sonata Allegro Form

A

A historical significant form in symphony composition. This form has three main parts: Introduction, Development, and Recapitulation.

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10
Q

Rondo Form

A

An important form in music history. Often diagrammed as “A B A C A D A…”

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11
Q

Theme and Variation

A

A form in which one main idea is developed through repetition, but in each repetition the melody has modifications (changed rhythm, added notes, different harmonies).

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12
Q

Jazz Form

A

In many Jazz music styles, the form of the music emphasizes improvisation. It can be diagrammed like this: “Head (melody) Improvisation (on harmony of the head) Head.” The improvised section can be repeated many times over.

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13
Q

Repetition

A

Repetition in music is when a musical idea happens again and again. The idea can be a melody, chord progression, or rhythm. When this idea is repeated it is made significant and important. Kind of like a main character in a movie, they keep coming back into the story and are a major part of the time on screen. Usually, the main character is on screen a lot, and is a critical character in many of the movie’s scenes. This is the same in music - but it could be a melody, rhythm, or harmony.

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14
Q

Contrast

A

Contrast is when a new idea inserts into a musical composition. Somehow, some way, this idea is different than what came before it. The rhythm, melody, or harmonies change - and it sounds like a new idea. This contrast of musical ideas is an important part of musical form. It is what defines different regions of sound in a larger composition.

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15
Q

Strophic, or Verse Form

A

A verse is a melody who’s pitches and rhythm stay the same, but the lyrics change. This is really common in old style church hymns.

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16
Q

Verse/Chorus Form

A

The verse section usually has the same melody, but the lyrics change. The chorus (sometimes called a refrain) has the same music and the same lyrics each time it repeats. This is a very common form for pop music.