Form Vocabulary

Question 1

Form

Answer 1

The organization of ideas in a musical composition.

Question 2

Repetition

Answer 2

When a musical idea happens again and again.

Question 3

Contrast

Answer 3

When a new, different musical idea is used in a piece.

Question 4

Verse

Answer 4

Often in vocal music, as an area of contrast to the chorus. An area where the melody and rhythm mainly stay the same, but the words (lyrics) change.

Question 5

Chorus

Answer 5

A section in vocal music, meant to contrast the verse section. In the chorus the lyrics and melody stay the same in each repetition.

Question 6

Binary Form

Answer 6

A form consisting of two main parts. Often diagramed as “A B.”

Question 7

Ternary Form

Answer 7

A form consisting of three main parts. Often diagramed as “A B A.”

Question 8

Subsidiary Form

Answer 8

The organization and design of a small section from a larger piece of music.

Question 9

Sonata Allegro Form

Answer 9

A historical significant form in symphony composition. This form has three main parts: Introduction, Development, and Recapitulation.

Question 10

Rondo Form

Answer 10

An important form in music history. Often diagrammed as “A B A C A D A…”

Question 11

Theme and Variation

Answer 11

A form in which one main idea is developed through repetition, but in each repetition the melody has modifications (changed rhythm, added notes, different harmonies).

Question 12

Jazz Form

Answer 12

In many Jazz music styles, the form of the music emphasizes improvisation. It can be diagrammed like this: “Head (melody) Improvisation (on harmony of the head) Head.” The improvised section can be repeated many times over.

Question 13

Repetition

Answer 13

Repetition in music is when a musical idea happens again and again. The idea can be a melody, chord progression, or rhythm. When this idea is repeated it is made significant and important. Kind of like a main character in a movie, they keep coming back into the story and are a major part of the time on screen. Usually, the main character is on screen a lot, and is a critical character in many of the movie’s scenes. This is the same in music - but it could be a melody, rhythm, or harmony.

Question 14

Contrast

Answer 14

Contrast is when a new idea inserts into a musical composition. Somehow, some way, this idea is different than what came before it. The rhythm, melody, or harmonies change - and it sounds like a new idea. This contrast of musical ideas is an important part of musical form. It is what defines different regions of sound in a larger composition.

Question 15

Strophic, or Verse Form

Answer 15

A verse is a melody who’s pitches and rhythm stay the same, but the lyrics change. This is really common in old style church hymns.

Question 16

Verse/Chorus Form

Answer 16

The verse section usually has the same melody, but the lyrics change. The chorus (sometimes called a refrain) has the same music and the same lyrics each time it repeats. This is a very common form for pop music.