Structure and Form Flashcards
Binary form
Two sections of roughly equal length
First section is then answered by a second section
AB
Ternary form
ABA
Section B contrasts to Section A
Section A repeat may be the same or with added detail
Call and response
A musical phrase is sung or played and then a responding phrase is played in another part
Common in traditional African music and gospel
Rondo
A main theme (A) returns between contrasting sections
ABACADA…
Contrasting sections are called episodes
Other sections may be changed or repeated
Multi-sectional form
Theme and variations
Theme is repeated several times, varying each time
Main theme is usually binary or ternary form and repetitive
Arch-shape
Completely symmetrical
Looks like an arch
ABCBA
Cyclic form
Constant repetition of a fixed number of beats or melodic patterns
In each cycle the patterns are repeated and varied
Common in Africa, India and Asia
Popular song form
Verse, chorus, bridge
May include intro, outro, fills and middle 8s
Ballads
Common form of pop music
Often romantic, tells a story
Ground bass
A melody in the bass repeated throughout the music
Harmony and melody may change around the ground bass
May be known as a riff in popular music
Continuo/basso continuo
Bass instrument and harpsichord or organ fills out the harmonies
Backdrop to the rest of the music
Pedal note
A sustained, repeated note in the bass with changing harmony over the top
May be a tonic or a dominant pedal note
Fugue
A polyphonic piece where each part enters with the same tune (at different pitches) before developing into separate melodies
Concerto
Classical music for a soloist accompanied by an orchestra
Three movements - fast, slow, fast
Concerto grosso
A concerto made for a group of soloists rather than one
