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A musical structure consisting of two distinct sections labeled A and B. Example: Many keyboard pieces from the Baroque period.

A contrapuntal composition in which the voices enter successively at determined pitch and time intervals, all performing the same melodic line. Example: 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat'.

A complex contrapuntal composition that features a main theme (subject) and its imitative counter-subjects developed over various voices. Example: Bach's Fugue in A minor, BWV 543.

A musical phrase played by one musician or group and answered by another. Example: Traditional African and gospel music.

A contrasting section that prepares for the return of the original material or theme. Example: The 'B' section in 32-bar song form.

A texture in which two or more independent melodic lines are played simultaneously. Example: A fugue by J.S. Bach.

A three-part musical form where the first section (A) is repeated after the second section (B) concludes. Example: 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'.

The process of changing from one key to another within a piece. Example: The key change in the bridge of many pop songs.

A musical form characterized by the return of the main theme (A) which alternates with contrasting themes. Example: Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' (ABACA).

A structure where each section of text or music is new, without any repetitions of whole sections. Example: Art songs (lieder) such as Schubert's 'Erlkönig'.

The technique of writing musical lines that sound harmonious together, but retain their individuality. Example: J. S. Bach's 'The Art of Fugue'.

A song structure where each verse is set to the same music with varying lyrics. Example: 'Blowin' in the Wind' by Bob Dylan.

Music in which one main melody is accompanied by chords. Example: Most traditional hymns and chorales.

A form where an initial theme is presented and then altered in successive variations. Example: Mozart's 'Twelve Variations on 'Ah vous dirai-je, Maman''.

A hymn tune associated with German Protestantism, often polyphonic and harmonized. Example: Bach's Chorale 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme'.

A chord progression that lasts 12 bars and typically uses three chords, associated with the blues genre. Example: 'Sweet Home Chicago' by Robert Johnson.

A recurring musical theme associated with a particular person, place, or idea, often used in operas. Example: Wagner's use of leitmotifs in his 'Ring Cycle'.

A continuous, sustained tone or tones accompanying a melody. Example: The bagpipe's continuous bass note.

A song structure typically used in Broadway show tunes and jazz standards, often consisting of an AABA pattern. Example: 'Over the Rainbow' from 'The Wizard of Oz'.

Music where some element of the composition is left to chance, or up to the performer's discretion. Example: John Cage's 'Music of Changes'.

A concluding section that sums up or concludes the musical ideas of a piece. Example: The ending of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

A texture comprising a single melodic line without accompaniment. Example: Gregorian chant.

A complex musical structure used in first movements of sonatas and symphonies, consisting of exposition, development, and recapitulation. Example: Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major.

A short musical pattern that is repeated continuously throughout a piece or a section of a piece. Example: The bass line in Pachelbel's Canon in D.