| − | Form refers to the structural aspects of a piece of music. In formal analysis, a letter is assigned to each distinct section of a piece. Basic examples of form include binary form (A B), in which one section is followed by a contrasting section, or ternary form (A B A'), in which the first section returns, usually in slightly altered form (denoted by the addition of an apostrophe to the final A), to give a sense of formal closure. The typical form of a popular song might be written as ABABCAB, where A is the verse, B is the chorus, and C is the bridge. One commonly used form in the classical periods is [[Sonata form]], which is a specialised, elaborate binary form. Sonata form, in classical music, is typically used as the first movement in most large-scale instrumental works such as symphonies and concertos. Another commonly used form is rondo form, in which a recurring section is contrasted with successive new sections, whose simplest version can be described as ABACA'. It is often used in the final movement of large works. | + | Form refers to the structural aspects of a piece of music. In formal analysis, a letter is assigned to each distinct section of a piece. Basic examples of form include binary form (A B), in which one section is followed by a contrasting section, or ternary form (A B A'), in which the first section returns, usually in slightly altered form (denoted by the addition of an apostrophe to the final A), to give a sense of formal closure. The typical form of a popular song might be written as ABABCAB, where A is the verse, B is the chorus, and C is the bridge. One commonly used form in the classical periods is [[Sonata form]], which is a specialised, elaborate binary form. Sonata form, in classical music, is typically used as the first movement in most large-scale instrumental works such as symphonies and concertos. Another commonly used form is [[rondo]] form, in which a recurring section is contrasted with successive new sections, whose simplest version can be described as ABACA'. It is often used in the final movement of large works. |
| | While these letters are used to describe contrasting sections, this contrast is sometimes created by a completely different melody or musical texture, and sometimes by changing the [[key (music)|key]] (or modulating), often by both. A binary form, for example, usually contains very similar musical material in the A and B parts, but in different keys. In a sonata form, a succession of contrasting musical themes and a modulatory plan work together to define the structure of the movement. | | While these letters are used to describe contrasting sections, this contrast is sometimes created by a completely different melody or musical texture, and sometimes by changing the [[key (music)|key]] (or modulating), often by both. A binary form, for example, usually contains very similar musical material in the A and B parts, but in different keys. In a sonata form, a succession of contrasting musical themes and a modulatory plan work together to define the structure of the movement. |