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Musical Forms
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Symphony
A large, multi-movement work for orchestra, typically consisting of four movements with a fast-slow-dance-fast structure.
Concerto
A composition typically in three movements, written for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra. It showcases the virtuosity of the soloist against the backdrop of the ensemble.
Oratorio
A large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Like an opera, it includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. However, it is typically narrative and based on a religious theme.
Through-composed
A form of music composition that does not repeat sections; new material is continuously introduced, often used in art songs.
Passacaglia
A musical form of continuous variation in 3/4 time; and a ground bass. It's similar to a chaconne and is often serious in nature.
Binary Form
A musical form in two related sections, both of which are usually repeated. Binary form is labeled as AB or AABB.
Theme and Variations
A musical form where a theme is followed by a series of variations on that theme, each variation retaining elements of the original but differing in mood, tempo, meter, harmony, or melody.
Aria
A self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumental or orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work like an opera, cantata, or oratorio.
Fugue
A contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase (the subject) is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others and developed by interweaving the parts.
Ternary Form
A three-part musical form where the first and third parts (A) are identical, while the second part (B) contrasts. Structurally, it's represented as ABA.
Cantata
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, involving a choir.
Lied
A type of German song, especially of the Romantic period, typically for solo voice with piano accompaniment.
Sonata
A classical form that typically consists of several movements with one or more that follow sonata form which includes an exposition, development, and recapitulation. Often used in symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music.
Madrigal
Secular vocal music composition of the Renaissance and early Baroque eras, traditionally part of the genre of Renaissance madrigals. Features a cooperation of multiple voices, and expresses complex emotions through text.
Chaconne
A type of musical composition similar to a passacaglia, in which a harmonic progression or bass ostinato is repeated as the basis of a piece underneath variations.
Strophic form
A song structure where all verses or stanzas of the text are sung to the same music. It is a simple and time-honored form.
Rondo
A form characterized by the recurrence of a main theme (A) alternative with contrasting themes (B, C, D, etc.). Common patterns include ABACA and ABACABA.
Minuet
A dance-inspired movement in 3/4 time, frequently found as the third movement in classical symphonies, string quartets, and sonatas. It's usually in ABA form, where A is the minuet and B is called the trio.
Suite
A set of instrumental compositions meant to be played in sequence. Suites are typically dance-inspired and contain movements such as allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues.
Ballade
A narrative musical form that can be vocal or instrumental. It generally adheres to a sectional structure and is typically lyrical and expressive.
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