Structure

Question 1

What is the definition of structure in music?

Answer 1

Structure refers to the ideas of design or form in music. Structure relates to the ways in which music sounds the same and/or different.

Question 2

What does ‘Macro Structure’ mean in terms of structure?

Answer 2

Refers to the overall form of a piece of music.

Question 3

What does ‘Micro Structure’ mean in terms of structure?

Answer 3

Refers to the internal sections that make up the overall ‘macro structure’ of a piece of music.

Question 4

What are the four main aspects of structure?

Answer 4

Macro, micro, techniques that create contrast and techniques that create unity.

Question 5

How are sections generally labelled in music?

Answer 5

By using letters of the alphabet. E.g. there might be a melody for 16 bars and then a different melody enters. You would label the first 16 bars as section A, and then the next section as B.

Question 6

What is the difference between standard structure and non-standard structure in relations to macro structure?

Answer 6

Standard structure is one that has been used before; you can give the structure or form a name. Non-standard structure is anything that does not fit into a standard form.

Question 7

Standard Forms:

What are common forms in terms of structure?

Answer 7

Common structures are musical structures that are commonly used in both traditional art music and mainstream music.

Question 8

Standard Forms:

What are specific forms in terms of structure?

Answer 8

Specific forms are musical structures that are usually specified to a period of music.

Question 9

Standard Forms:

What are vocal forms in terms of structure?

Answer 9

Vocal forms are musical structures that are usually specified to arias or songs.

Question 10

Common Forms:

What is Binary form?

Answer 10

Binary form refers to a structure with two sections that are different from each other. The symbol for binary is AB.

Question 11

Common Forms:

What is Ternary form?

Answer 11

Ternary form refers to a structure that has three sections with normally the first section repeating after the second section. It is labeled as ABA.

Question 12

Common Forms:

What is Rondo form?

Answer 12

Rondo form is a structure that has a returning main theme with contrasting sections between the returns. The symbol for rondo form is ABACA.

Question 13

Common Forms:

What is a twelve-bar blues?

Answer 13

A twelve bar blues is a twelve bar pattern with a set chord structure. It is different from other forms because it has a set of chords that characterise its form.

Question 14

Common Forms:

What components can be included in a verse/chorus form?

Answer 14

Introduction, verse, chorus, bridge or middle 8, pre-chorus and coda or outro.

Question 15

Specific Forms:

What does it mean by theme and variation?

Answer 15

Where a musical theme is played throughout the piece with different variations to that theme as the composer wishes.

Question 16

Specific Forms:

What are some features that can add contrast and variety to a theme?

Answer 16

Dynamics, tone color and melodic additions such as ornamentation.

Question 17

Vocal Forms:

What is strophic form?

Answer 17

Strophic form is a vocal form that contains verses only. Each verse has the same melody but new lyrics. Contrasts are added to strophic structures for variety.

Question 18

Vocal Forms:

What does it mean by through composed?

Answer 18

Through composed is where the lyrics and the melody change for each verse. It is the opposite to strophic form where the melody is the same for each verse. There is little repetition in this form therefore contrast is significant.

Question 19

Structures used in world music:

Can structures in world music be both standard and non-standard in form?

Answer 19

Yes.

Question 20

Structures used in world music:

What are some common characteristics of structures in world music?

Answer 20

Repetition, Improvisation and Call and Response.