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Most people who don’t listen to classical music do not understand the importance of form and structure. This thread is for anyone willing to learn about and listen to classical music.
1)The simplest form is AB, a form which consists of two parts, one theme and another. The two sections are separated by a transition.
2)Next in line is ABA. It is the same as AB, however, the A music returns after the B theme.
Both may include a concluding coda.
2)Next in line is ABA. It is the same as AB, however, the A music returns after the B theme.
Both may include a concluding coda.
3)Minuet and Trio. A minuet is a stately court dance in 3/4 time. The minuet and trio form consists of a minuet, a contrasting piece of music, called the trio, and then the return of the original minuet again. May include concluding coda.
4)Scherzo and Trio. The word Scherzo means Joke. The Scherzo and Trio is basically a souped-up minuet. It consists of a fast and serious first part - the scherzo and a contrasting, either lyrical or humorous trio, and then the return of the scherzo. May include concluding coda.
5)Rondo. A rondo is an extremely free form. It consists of a single theme which is then repeated in between contrasting pieces of music, known as episodes. May include concluding coda.
6)Theme and Variations. Does exactly as said on the tin. A theme is stated followed by any number of variations which can vary any part of the theme, including the bass line and/or accompaniment. May include concluding coda.
7)Sonata Form. Sonata Form constitutes three parts: Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation.
7a)Exposition. The exposition consists of two or more themes presented in contrasting keys and moods. This part is often repeated. This section ends with a codetta.
7b)Development. The development concerns itself with developing the themes. However brand new themes can also be presented. It’s main purpose is to lead far away from the home key. This part ends with a transition, known as the retransition, which leads to the
7c)Recapitulation. The recapitulation recaps the themes of the movement. Some themes can be further developed and others may be excluded. May include concluding coda.
8)Fugue. A fugue begins with a theme (called a subject) starkly stated alone. The subject is then repeated in a different voice (line) in counterpoint (independent harmony) to the subject. These are then developed in a number of ways until the end of the fugue.
9)Invention and Sinfonia. Basically small fugues in a freer form. Inventions are in 2 voices and Sinfonias in 3. Fugues can be anywhere between 2 and 5 (they can go higher but keyboard fugues usually don’t.)
10)Partita/Suite. A large scale form consisting of usually seven dance movements, such as Courante, Sarabande, Gigue etc.
11)Fantasia. Perhaps the freest of all forms, a Fantasia feels and sounds like a continuing improvisation. There is usually a repeated theme, which allows you to follow the music. There are usually a large amount of dramatic arpeggiated and Scalic figures.
12)Passacaglia. Basically theme and variations but on a dramatic ground bass.
13)French Overture. This form consists of a noble sounding theme played in dotted rhythms, think Shakespeare’s Iambic pentameter, Dum DA dum DA dum, as well as consisting of sweeping scales.
14)Standard Overture. A standard overture usually consists of a Slow-fast-slow format. They can also be constructed in sonata form.
15)Operatic Overture. A piece of music which serves as a prelude to the 1,2,3, even 4 or 5 hour opera.
16)Prelude. A prelude is simply an introductory piece of music, usually to a fugue, but can also introduce an opera or other piece of music. They can also serve as self standing pieces.
17)Nocturne. A piece which evokes the night. Usually in a slow or broad tempo.
18)Mazurka/Polonaise/Waltz. Three dances, all in 3/4 time.
19)Ritornello. A form which served as a precursor to the rondo form.
20)Funeral March. A usually slow March with a broad tempo and a noble lyrical second theme. Relies heavily upon dotted rhythms.
21)Impromptu/Moment Musicaux. These are free form, improvisatory pieces.
22)Intermezzo. A short piece, which often serves as a introductory movement.
22)Intermezzo. A short piece, which often serves as a introductory movement.
23)The following are recordings which best and most easily demonstrate the above musical. forms/Structures. However, I will skip the first two forms/structures.
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I’ve thrown around a lot of terms so here’s some descriptions of larger musical forms as well as other musical features.
1)Symphony. A large piece usually for orchestra. This is usually in four movements but can contain either less or more. A symphony usually consists of A Sonata Form First Movement, a slow movement, a scherzo or minuet, and a finale.
2)Sonata. A large scale work usually for solo instruments. These consist of 2 and upwards movements. Usually a Sonata form first movement, slow movement, optional next movement, finale.
3)Concerto. A work for orchestra and soloist usually consisting of multiple movements. Basically a symphony for soloist and orchestra.
4)Concerto Grosso. A concerto but for a group of soloists + orchestra. These usually include at least one ritornello movement.
4)Concerto Grosso. A concerto but for a group of soloists + orchestra. These usually include at least one ritornello movement.
5)String Quartet. Basically a sonata for four string instruments, usually Two Violins, Viola, and Cello.
6)Movement. A stand-alone segment of music. A part of a larger whole.
6)Movement. A stand-alone segment of music. A part of a larger whole.
7)Counterpoint. Ok, I lied a little when I described counterpoint as “independent harmony”. Counterpoint is hard to explain. It is the creation of lines (voices) which depend on each other harmonically to define tonality and tonal centres, however they require independence.
8)Tonality and Keys. Keys are the centre of tonality. Keys are basically structured around a central note or chord. Groupings of these are what we describe as tonality. This is why many works are named around a certain key and their quality (i.e. Major or minor). Tonal Centre=key
9)Coda. A Coda is a conclusive segment of music.
10)Coda to this thread: Phew that was a lot. I hope I cleared up a lot for people.
