Structure and Form of Classical Music

Question 1

Binary Form

Answer 1

AB - Two sections; often repeated; in tonal music, it is common for the “A” section to modulate from the tonic (root) to the dominant (fifth) or relative major with the “B” section returning to the tonic.

Question 2

Rounded Binary Form

Answer 2

ABA’ - As binary form, but the “B” section is rounded off with a repeat of the “A” section modified to return to the tonic.

Question 3

Ternary Form

Answer 3

ABA - Three sections in which each section is typically closed (i.e. tonic to tonic) but with the “B” section in a contrasting key.

Question 4

Rondo Form

Answer 4

ABACADA - A Classical form in which contrasting sections are interspersed with repeats of the “A” section, which usually remains in the tonic.