Reading: Classical Variation Form, Rondo Form, and Other Classical Genres

Question 1

Theme and Variations

Answer 1

A form consisting of a tune (the theme) plus a number of variations on it.

Question 2

What is the basic form of the Classical theme and variations?

Answer 2

Theme, Variation 1, Variation 2, etc. then Coda.

Question 3

What is the miniform in the Classical theme?

Answer 3

aabb or aababa.

Question 4

What was a common number of variations in the Classical theme and variations?

Answer 4

12.

Question 5

Rondo

Answer 5

A musical form consisting of one main theme or tune alternating with other themes or sections (ABACA, ABABA, etc.).

Question 6

Common rondo schemes:

Answer 6

• ABACA coda.
• ABACABA.
• ABACADA.

Question 7

Sonata (as opposed to sonata form)

Answer 7

A chamber-music piece in several movements, typically for three main instruments plus continuo in the Baroque period, and for only one or two instruments since then.

Question 8

Piano Sonatas

Answer 8

Composed for solo piano.

Question 9

Violin Sonatas

Answer 9

Composed for violin and piano.

Question 10

Compare the sonata to the symphony:

Answer 10

Sonatas are much less uniform, and none have more than three movements. Can have as few as two movements.