#47 LEARN FREE MUSIC THEORY
TLDRThe video explains two common musical structures - binary form and ternary form. Binary form consists of two distinct sections, A and B, which provide musical contrast. Ternary form has three parts - the A section which repeats identically, a contrasting B section, and then a return to the original A material. The teacher explains the framework and cadences used in these forms, noting they provide structure like beams in a building. Viewers are tasked with composing short examples following rules for each form, utilizing elements like time signatures and cadences to shape musical ideas.
Takeaways
- 😀 Structure in music is like the steel beams that hold up a building - it affects the shape and construction.
- 😉 Binary form consists of two distinct sections - A and B. A instigates, B resolves.
- 🧐 Ternary form has three parts - A, B, and a repeat of A. B provides contrast between As.
- 👍 Cadences are like punctuation, indicating the end of sections.
- 🤔 Creativity can bend the 'rules' of form, like number of bars per section.
- 😲 Classical pieces use structure and form, just expanded to bigger scales.
- 🎵 The A section of binary form often ends on an imperfect cadence.
- 🔁 The B section of binary form ends on the tonic - feeling resolved.
- 📝 For homework, compose 3 binary and 3 ternary pieces following structure rules.
- 🎉 There are many more complex forms like rondo and sonata not covered here.
Q & A
What is the purpose of musical structure and form?
-Musical structure and form provide an outline for how a piece of music is constructed, similar to the steel beams that hold up a skyscraper. The structure determines the overall shape and progression of the music.
What are the two basic forms of musical structure covered in the video?
-The two basic forms covered are binary form, which consists of two distinct sections labeled A and B, and ternary form, which consists of three sections labeled A B A, with the A section repeating.
What are some key characteristics of binary form?
-In binary form, section A poses a musical idea or question, while section B provides a resolution or answer. Section B ends on the tonic for a sense of finality. Section A cannot stand alone and needs section B for completion.
What are some key characteristics of ternary form?
-In ternary form, the initial A section ends with a sense of finality like a perfect cadence, but the music continues into a contrasting B section. The B section ends in an imperfect cadence to propel the listener back to a repetition of the initial A section for closure.
What is a cadence in music?
-A cadence is a harmonic progression that creates a sense of closure, essentially providing musical punctuation. Some examples are the perfect cadence, which ends on the tonic chord and sounds finished, and the imperfect cadence, which leaves tension and feels unfinished.
How can you identify that a piece is in ternary form by looking at the score?
-If you see a repeat sign at the end of an A section plus instructions to play to 'Fine' at the end of a contrasting B section, this signals that the piece is likely in ternary form with an exact repetition of the initial A material.
What time signatures and lengths are most common for binary and ternary form sections?
-Four measures or eight measures are the most standard lengths for the A and B sections in simple binary and ternary forms. These can be expanded, but shorter section lengths are less common.
How do more complex musical pieces incorporate binary and ternary forms?
-Larger symphonic works are structured using expanded versions of simple forms like binary and ternary. A 20-minute symphonic movement might contain multiple alternating sections in various keys while still adhering to an overarching A B A form.
Can binary and ternary forms incorporate more than just A and B sections?
-Yes, more advanced forms can add in things like introductions, codas, bridges between sections, and additional lettered sections like C and D while still fundamentally following a simple binary or ternary layout.
What is the homework assignment described in the video lesson?
-The homework is to compose three short musical examples each of binary form and ternary form, 4 or 8 bars long. These should follow the rules described in the lesson regarding cadences and repetitions to solidify understanding of form.
Outlines
🎵 Introducing Musical Structure and Binary Form
The paragraph introduces the concept of structure in music, comparing it to the beams that hold up a building. It then explains binary form, which consists of two distinct sections - A and B. Section A ends on an imperfect cadence while B provides resolution, ending on the tonic.
❓ Rules and Examples of Binary Form
This paragraph further elaborates on binary form. The A section depends on the B section to complete the idea. Examples are provided of how binary form is used in songs, with two distinct sections tying together. The rules are that A ends on an imperfect cadence, while B resolves to the tonic.
🎶 Introducing Ternary Form and Music Theory Homework
The last paragraph introduces ternary form. This consists of an A section, followed by a contrasting B section, and then a return to the original A section. Examples of notation are provided to identify ternary form. Finally, homework is assigned to compose pieces demonstrating understanding of binary and ternary forms.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡structure
💡binary form
💡ternary form
💡cadence
💡harmony
💡melody
💡rules
💡tension
💡resolution
💡creativity
Highlights
Structural music is like the steel beams that hold up a skyscraper - you don't see them directly but they affect the shape and construction.
Structure determines how the musical piece will play out, similar to how movie genres tend to follow similar structures.
Binary form consists of two distinct parts, usually 4 or 8 bars each, like a question and answer.
In binary form, section A depends on section B to complete the piece. Section B ends on the tonic to finish the piece.
In ternary form, section A is played first and ends as if finished. Then section B offers contrast before returning to section A.
Ternary form can be identified by a repeat sign at the end of A, then fine or DC al fine instructions to return to A.
When returning to A in ternary form, it is an exact copy without alterations.
Section B in ternary form often modulates to different keys before building tension to return to A.
Cadences act as the punctuation, marking the closing moments of each section.
For homework, compose 3 short pieces in binary form and 3 in ternary form following the rules covered.
Make sure to indicate endings properly in both forms - imperfect/perfect cadences for binary, DC al fine/fine markings for ternary.
Include all key signatures, time signatures, rests, and other musical conventions in your compositions.
These are just initial examples of musical form - there are many more complex forms used in longer classical works.
Understanding musical form gives composers an outline to follow while allowing creativity within sections.
Musical form is the hidden structure and framework that shapes how pieces are constructed and flow.
Transcripts
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