"Form refers to the structure of a musical composition or performance."
Is the study of how musical pieces are structured, including the different types of musical forms.
Phrase structure: The basic building blocks of musical form, consisting of a complete musical idea that has a beginning, middle, and end.
Binary form: A musical form that consists of two distinct sections labeled as A and B.
Ternary form: A musical form that consists of three distinct sections labeled as ABA or ABC.
Rondo form: A musical form that has a recurring theme alternating with different contrasting sections.
Sonata form: A large-scale musical form used most frequently in the first movement of a sonata, symphony or concerto.
Theme and variation: A form in which a musical idea (the theme) is presented and then varied in successive re-statements.
Fugue: A polyphonic form in which a theme is developed through the use of imitative counterpoint.
Chorale: A hymn-like form used in much of J.S. Bach's music.
Ritornello form: A musical form consisting of alternating refrains (the ritornello) and contrasting sections.
Strophic form: A musical form in which the same melody is repeated with different lyrics.
Free form: A form that lacks a traditional structure, allowing for greater flexibility and experimentation.
Microform: A small-scale form within a larger musical work or composition.
Multi-movement form: A musical form consisting of two or more distinct movements or sections.
Arch form: A musical form in which the structure of the piece mirrors itself both forwards and backwards.
Sonata-rondo form: A musical form that combines elements of sonata and rondo forms.
Through-composed form: A form in which the music is continuous and avoids the repetition of large sections.
Ostinato form: A form in which a repeating pattern serves as the basis for the entire composition.
Stretto form: A form in which the musical material is compressed and presented in a faster tempo.
Binary Form: Composed of two sections, usually in different keys or moods.
Ternary Form: Composed of three sections, with the second section usually in a contrasting key or mood.
Theme and Variation Form: A theme is presented and then repeated with variations on each repetition.
Rondo Form: A recurring main theme alternated with other themes.
Sonata Form: Typically used in a first movement of a sonata or symphony, it has an exposition, development, and recapitulation.
Fugue Form: A polyphonic composition that starts with one voice and is later joined by other voices, all following the same theme.
Chorale Form: A hymn-like form with recurring verses and a repeated refrain.
Strophic Form: A song with multiple verses set to the same music.
Opera Form: A dramatic music form with vocal and instrumental components.
Blues Form: Typically consists of three chords in a 12-bar pattern, often featuring a call-and-response between the vocals and instruments.
Ground Bass Form: A recurring bass line that serves as the foundation for the entire composition.
Fantasia Form: A form that allows the composer to explore a variety of musical ideas, often with no specific structure.
Cantata Form: A musical composition for voices, often with instrumental accompaniment, typically consisting of multiple movements.
Minuet and Trio Form: A three-part dance form in which the second section contrasts with the first and third.
Passacaglia Form: A form in which a repeating bass line serves as the basis for the entire piece, usually featured in instrumental music.
Scherzo Form: A playful and fast-paced form typically used in symphonies, incorporating a repeating theme with various development.
Folia Form: A dance form popular in the Baroque era featuring a repeating chord progression and a lively beat.
Lied Form: A German art song featuring a single voice and piano accompaniment, often with a story or poem as its basis.
Concerto Form: A dualistic form featuring a soloist and orchestra, typically with three movements that include fast-slow-fast tempos.
Mass Form: A form comprised of specific sections based on the components of the Catholic Mass, but set to music.
"The arrangement of musical units of rhythm, melody, and/or harmony that show repetition or variation, the arrangement of instruments, or the way a symphonic piece is orchestrated."
"It is the ways in which a composition is shaped to create a meaningful musical experience for the listener."
"These organizational elements may be broken into smaller units called phrases."
"Phrases express a musical idea but lack sufficient weight to stand alone."
"Form in tonal harmony is primarily articulated through cadences, phrases, and periods."
"Form can also be present under the influence of musical contour, also known as Contouric Form."
"A fantasia is an example of a composition that does not follow a fixed structure."
"I am more and more convinced that music is not, in essence, a thing that can be cast into a traditional and fixed form. It is made up of colors and rhythms."