Structure and Form

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

The overall shape of the music. How the sections are put together

Question 2

Sonata form

Answer 2

Exposition, Development, Recapitualtion. Often used in first movement of symphonies or concertos

Question 3

Ternary form

Answer 3

Music with three sections, first section repeated at the end e.g. ABA

Question 4

Rondo form

Answer 4

The main theme is repeated after contrasting sections e.g. ABACABA

Question 5

Theme and variations

Answer 5

Music with a main idea which is then varied

Question 6

Binary form

Answer 6

Music with two contrasting sections, each repeated. AABB

Question 7

Ground bass

Answer 7

Repeated bass part, usually 8 bars long. The melody above plays a theme and lots of variations. No gaps between variations

Question 8

Cyclic

Answer 8

Common themes in all movements that link the movements together

Question 9

Da capo aria

Answer 9

Instruction of “Da capo” means repeat section A with variation

Question 10

Arch-shape

Answer 10

A shape of a melody, it finishes how it starts. Symmetrical, adds balance.

Question 11

Call and response

Answer 11

A musical conversation, question and answer

Question 12

Through-composed

Answer 12

Each verse has different music, no repetition

Question 13

Pop ballad

Answer 13

Songs that tell stories. Each verse has the same rhythm and the same melody

Question 14

Continuo

Answer 14

Continuous bass part. One instrument plays the chords Uses figured bass notation. Often played by a harpsichord

Question 15

Verse/chorus

Answer 15

Verse- same melody, different lyrics. Chorus- main part, catchy, same melody, same lyrics

Question 16

Strophic form

Answer 16

Each verse has the same melody but different lyrics

Question 17

Minuet and trio

Answer 17

Minuet is elegant dance in 3/4 time in binary form. The trio contrasts in key and has three instruments playing. The minuet plays again after the trio to finish the piece

Question 18

Middle 8

Answer 18

Eight bar contrasting section so verse and chorus doesn’t get boring

Question 19

Coda/outro

Answer 19

The ending can be dramatic and sudden or fade out

Question 20

Scherzo and trio

Answer 20

A scherzo means “joke” in Italian, it sounds faster and lighter