Topic 2 - 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, Recapitulation.

Often used in first movement of symphonies or concertos.

Question 3

Ternary Form

Answer 3

Music with three sections, 1st section repeated at the end E.g. ABA.

Question 4

Rondo Form

Answer 4

The main theme is repeated after contrasting sections.

E.g. ABACAD

Question 5

Theme and Variations

Answer 5

Music with a main idea with is then varied.

E.g A A1 A2 A3 A4

Question 6

Binary Form

Answer 6

Music with two contrasting sections, each repeated.

E.g AABB

Question 7

Ground Bass

Answer 7

Repeated and bass part, usually 8 bars long. The melody above play a theme and lots of variations. No gaps between variations.
E.g Pachelbel Canon in D

Question 8

Cadenza

Answer 8

Music at the end of a section or piece, where the soloist shows off.

Question 9

Cyclic

Answer 9

Common themes in all movements that link the movements together.

Question 10

32 - Bar Song Form

Answer 10

Four x8 bar sections
Sections 1, 2 and 4 = main theme
Section 3 - Contrast
AABA Structure

Question 11

Da Capo Aria

Answer 11

Instruction of “Da capo” means repeat section A with decoration.
A B A1

Question 12

Arch Shape

Answer 12

A shape of a melody, it finishes how it starts. Symmetrical, adds balance.
E.g ‘Twinkle twinkle little star.’

Question 13

Pop Ballad

Answer 13

Songs that tell stories, each verse has same rhythm and same melody.
E.g Take a bow.

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

Through Composed

Answer 16

Each verse has different music, no repetition.

E.g Bohemian Rhapsody

Question 17

Strophic Form

Answer 17

Each verse has the same melody but different lyrics.

E.g Amazing Grace

Question 18

Minuet & Trio

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Middle 8

Answer 19

8 bar contrasting section so verse/chorus.

Question 20

Coda

Answer 20

The ending, can be dramatic and sudden or.

Question 21

Scherzo & Trio

Answer 21

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