Musical Forms + Structures

Question 1

Name common form founds in classical music

Answer 1

• binary form
• ternary form
• rondo form
• sonata form
• theme & variations
• minuet & trio / scherzo & trio
• sonata rondo

Question 2

Give key details about binary form

Answer 2

Structure: Two sections - A and B
Types: Simple Binary (AABB), Rounded Binary (ABA), Balanced Binary
Common Usage: Baroque dance suites

Question 3

Give key details about ternary form

Answer 3

Structure: Three sections - ABA
Sections: A (statement), B (contrast), A (restatement)
Common Usage: Classical and romantic period pieces

Question 4

Give key details about rondo form

Answer 4

Structure: Recurring theme (A) alternates with contrasting sections (B, C, etc.)
Common Patterns: ABACA, ABACABA
Common Usage: Finales of classical sonatas + symphonies

Question 5

Give key details about sonata form

Answer 5

Structure: Exposition, Development, Recapitulation, (optional Coda)
Exposition: Two contrasting themes in different keys
Development: Modulation and variation of themes
Recapitulation: Restates themes in tonic key
Common Usage: First movements of sonatas, symphonies, concertos

Question 6

Give key details about theme & variation form

Answer 6

Structure: Theme followed by variation
Variations: Changes in melody, harmony, rhythm, orchestration
Common Usage: Classical period compositions - showcases creativity

Question 7

Give key details about minuet & trio form

Answer 7

Structure: ABA form (A = Minuet or Scherzo, B = Trio).
Minuet: 3/4, moderate tempo
Scherzo: Faster, playful, replaces Minuet in Romantic period.
Common Usage: Third movements of classical symphonies + sonatas

Question 8

Give key details about sonata rondo form

Answer 8

Structure: Hybrid of sonata and rondo forms.
Pattern: ABACABA.
Usage: Combines recurring themes with developmental sections

Question 9

Give key details about the symphony

Answer 9

A large-scale orchestral work, typically four movements
Structure
1st Movement: Fast (Allegro), usually sonata form
2nd Movement: Slow (Adagio or Andante), often ternary or theme + variations form
3rd Movement: Moderate (Minuet and Trio or Scherzo), 3/4
4th Movement: Fast (Allegro or Presto), sonata or rondo form

Question 10

Give key details about the concerto

Answer 10

Definition: A work for a solo instrument accompanied by orchestra, typically three movements

Structure
1st Movement: Fast (Allegro), usually sonata-allegro form with double exposition
2nd Movement: Slow (Adagio or Largo), lyrical + expressive
3rd Movement: Fast (Allegro or Presto), often rondo or sonata-rondo form
Usually features a cadenza - virtuosic solo passage, usually near end of the first or last movement

Question 11

Give key details about the sonata

Answer 11

Definition: A work for solo instrument or solo instrument with piano, typically three or four movements

Structure
1st Movement: Fast (Allegro), sonata form
2nd Movement: Slow (Adagio or Andante), ternary or theme + variations form
3rd Movement: Optional, dance-like (Minuet and Trio or Scherzo)
4th Movement: Fast (Allegro or Presto), rondo or sonata form

Answer 12

Definition: A chamber music ensemble consisting of two violins, one viola, and one cello, typically in four movements.
Structure:

1st Movement: Fast (Allegro), in sonata form.
2nd Movement: Slow (Adagio or Andante), in ternary or theme and variations form.
3rd Movement: Moderate (Minuet and Trio or Scherzo), in triple meter.
4th Movement: Fast (Allegro or Presto), in rondo or sonata form.

Features:

Intimacy: Allows for detailed interplay between the instruments.
Equal Voices: Each instrument often has an independent and significant part.