QEGS Music Department
Structure: The sections that make up a piece of music such as verses and choruses
Structure
Pop Music
The two main sections in pop music are the verse (where the music is repeated but the words differ) and the chorus (where both the music and words are repeated). Optional sections include the intro and outro, the middle eight, bridge and instrumental.
Binary and Ternary Form
Pieces written in binary form have two contrasting sections. Pieces written in ternary form have three sections - the first and last sections are pretty much identical, while the middle section is contrasting.
Theme & Variations
As suggested by the title, the composer creates a theme (or borrows it from another composer) and then proceeds to write as many variations on that theme as possible. Variations can be created by altering one or more of the musical elements.
Rondo and Ritornello
Rondo and ritornello are built around a returning theme which functions as a chorus and which is alternated with contrasting sections. The contrasting sections in rondo are all different, whereas the ritornello has a symmetrical structure created by repeating some of the contrasting sections.
Sonata Form
A form often found the first movement of sonatas, symphonies and concerti. It consists of three sections: exposition (in which the two themes are stated), development (in which the composer explores the two themes) and recapitulation (in which the two themes are stated in the tonic to close the piece).
Sonata
A multi-movement work for piano or soloist with piano accompaniment. The first and last movements are usually fast and the middle movement is usually slow and lyrical. The first movement is usually in sonata form, and the last movement is often a rondo.
Concerto
A multi-movement work featuring a solo or small group of musicians supported by an orchestra. Concerti can be written for any instrument, although some are more popular than others. As with the sonata, the concerto has three movements.
Symphony
A large scale orchestral work lasting from 20 minutes to over an hour. Symphonies were composed from the Classical Period right up to the present day. Traditional symphonies usually have four movements: fast-slow-minuet or scherzo-fast.