Binary and Ternary Forms

Question 1

forms

Answer 1

• form is the basic structure of a musical piece. all music has form
• you can identify the form by listening to the phrases and periods in the music
• it’s a good idea to listen to when things are the same and when they are different
• try not to listen to the little things, think of the big picture

Question 2

binary form

Answer 2

• music is divided into two main sections
• written as A, B, or A, B, A, B…
• the two different sections are usually of equal length but are distinct from each other

Question 3

ternary form

Answer 3

• three main sections
• commonly the sections are labeled A-B-& either A’ or C
• most of the time:
• the sections will be of roughly equal size
• often section are able to stand alone

Question 4

musical form is organized by the harmonic and melodic structure of a composition. music with two and three distinct sections is known as being in _________ form and __________, respectively

Answer 4

• binary; ternary

Question 5

as you listen to compositions, it is helpful to identify the possible repetition and contrast of

Answer 5

• section lengths
• key areas
• melodic & rhythmic ideas

Question 6

the following diagram represents which form?

| | : A : | | : B A’ : | |

Answer 6

• rounded binary

Question 7

ternary form is a musical form comprised of how many sections?

Answer 7

• 3

Question 8

the A and B sections of the binary and ternary forms will sound slightly different. often the B sections are in the parallel and major & minor keys or begin on the dominant

Answer 8

• true