Structure

This section explains musical structure. Understanding musical structure is essential for analysing and performing music. Recognising patterns, repeated sections, key changes, and other elements of structure can provide insight into the composer’s intentions and the emotional narrative of the piece. The evolution of structure across musical periods reflects changes in artistic aims and the broader cultural context of music composition.

Structure

Structure refers to how a piece of music is organised and arranged. Composers use structure to give their music shape, balance, and a sense of coherence. Different musical structures are common in different periods of music history. For example, binary form was often used in Baroque dances, while sonata form became a key structure during the Classical period.

How to Identify the Structure of a Piece

When identifying the structure of a piece, consider the following features to help recognise different sections:

Repeated Sections: Look for repeated sections, which can indicate a structural pattern. For instance, if you hear the same section return later in the piece, it could suggest an ABA or AAB structure.

Double Bars: Double bar lines (sometimes with repeat marks) are used at the end of sections, indicating where one section finishes and another begins.

Keys and Cadences: Many musical forms use modulations (key changes) at specific points. Look for cadences (especially perfect, imperfect, or interrupted cadences) at the end of sections, which often signal a change in key or a transition to a new section.

Melodies: Sections of music often feature distinct melodies, particularly in Classical and Romantic music. Recognising these can help you understand when new sections begin.

Textures: The texture (how many instruments or voices are playing, and how they interact) can change between sections, or a significant texture may appear at the start or end of a section. For instance, a piece might start with a homophonic texture (melody with accompaniment) and later switch to polyphony (multiple independent melodies).

Words: In vocal music, the repetition of text, such as a refrain or chorus, can define sections and help give the music structure.

Letters for Sections: Sections in music are often labelled with letters (A, B, C, etc.) to track when a section is repeated or varied. For example, an ABA structure has three sections, with the first and last being the same or very similar, while the middle section contrasts with them.

Common Musical Structures

Binary Form (AB): Two sections, often both repeated. Common in Baroque dances.

Ternary Form (ABA): Three sections, where the first and third are the same or similar, and the middle section contrasts.

Rondo Form (ABACA): A main theme (A) alternates with contrasting sections (B, C, etc.). Popular in the Classical period.

Theme and Variations: A melody (theme) is presented and then varied in different ways.

Sonata Form: Consists of three main sections: Exposition (introduces themes), Development (explores and varies these themes), and Recapitulation (returns to the original themes). Key form in the Classical period.

Strophic: Each verse (strophe) of the text is set to the same music. Common in songs and hymns.

Through-Composed: Music that doesn’t repeat sections, with each part being new material.