(MF) Musical Form Module Overview

Music Form

The term "musical form" refers to the overall structure or plan of a piece of music. In this module we will learn the basic components of musical form as well as learning how to identify several of the compositional types of musical structure.

Essential Questions

  • What is musical form?
  • What is a musical phrase?
  • What is a musical period?
  • What is binary form?
  • What is ternary form?
  • What is rondo form?
  • What is theme and variations form?

Key Terms

  1. Binary Form - is a musical form in two related sections, both of which are usually repeated. In music this is usually performed as A-A-B-B.
  2. Period - is a group of measures comprising the natural division of the melody.
  3. Phrase - is a short music passage that often consists of four measures forming part of a larger musical structure.
  4. Rondo Form - is a musical composition built on the alternation of a principal recurring theme and contrasting melodies.
  5. Ternary Form - is a three-part musical form, usually performed as A-B-A. The first and third parts (A) are musically identical, or very nearly so, while the second part (B) in some way provides a contrast with them.
  6. Theme and Variations Form - is a form of musical composition consisting of a simple melody presented first in its original form then repeated several times with varied treatment with some recognition of the original melody still heard.

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