Music Theory Vocab 9 and 10

Song Form

A song form where the B section is usually the bridge, also referred to as the '32 bar form'.

Binary

A musical structure consisting of two sections, often repeated, labeled AABB.

Continuous Binary

A type of binary form where the first section ends with any cadence other than an authentic cadence.

Sectional Binary

A binary form where the first section ends with an authentic cadence.

Ternary

A musical structure of three sections, ABA, typically with a recapitulation of the first section.

Rounded Binary

A form that combines features of binary and ternary structures, represented as AB(A), where part of the A section returns after the B.

Through-Composed

A musical form that features new music for each stanza.

Strophic

A form where the same music is used for each verse.

Sonata Allegro Form

A common structure for the first movement of a sonata, typically well-known in classical music.

Exposition

The section in sonata form where the first theme is in the tonic key, and the second theme is in the dominant key or relative major.

Development

The section where previously presented themes are expanded and explored, often in new keys.

Recapitulation

The section of sonata form where the first and second themes are restated in the tonic key.

Rondo

A musical form that alternates with a recurring theme, structured as ABACA.

Arch Form

A musical structure represented as ABCBA.

Basso Ostinato

A repeating bass line that provides a foundation for a piece.

Theme and Variations

A form where one theme is repeated in slightly different ways.

Passacaglia

A type of theme and variations characterized by a consistent basso ostinato.

Chaconne

A form of theme and variations that also features a basso ostinato.

Coda

The concluding measures of a composition that follow the PAC, often not part of the main thematic material.

Codetta

Similar to a coda, it refers to closing measures that follow the PAC.

Cadenza

Typically improvised or composed ornamental material performed by a soloist in a free style.

Texture

Describes the complexity of layers in music at any given moment.

Monophonic

A musical texture with one melodic line and no harmony or counterpoint.

Homophonic

A texture with one prominent melodic line accompanied by other parts that fill in the chords.

Chordal Homophony

A form of homophony where all voices move together with the same rhythm.

Melody with Accompaniment

A type of homophony with an independent melody where the accompaniment is not limited to chordal movement.

Ostinato

A repetitive short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic pattern.

Alberti Bass

An accompaniment style using broken chords or arpeggios, typically following a 1-5-3-5 pattern.

Walking Bass

A bass line characterized by regular quarter note movement, resembling walking.

Polyphonic

A musical texture involving multiple independent melodies being played simultaneously.

Counterpoint

A type of polyphony where distinct musical lines harmonically complement each other.

Contrapuntal

Relating to counterpoint, a texture involving independent musical lines.

Imitative Polyphony

A texture where a main idea is echoed or imitated across different voices.

Fugue

A type of imitative polyphony where a theme is introduced in one voice and imitated by others.

Fugal Imitation

Imitative polyphony that mirrors the antecedent at different pitch levels.

Non-Imitative Polyphony

A polyphonic texture where the independent lines differ in rhythm and contour.

Counter Melody

A secondary melody played alongside the primary melody.

Heterophonic

A texture with a single melody being sung or played in various forms simultaneously.

Ragtime

An American musical style that features syncopated or 'ragged' rhythms.