Types of Instrumental Compositions General Music Unit 1: Ms. Fowlkes What is a composition? -From the verb compose meaning “to create” -Part of speech: noun -a work of music, literature or art -A composer composes compositions. What is a movement? -Some larger works are split into smaller, independent sections called movements. -Within multi-movement works there is a pattern that movements follow. -Each movement has a specific form. Form Form refers to the way a composer organizes musical ideas within a piece. It is another tool the composer uses to convey the meaning and ideas that make up his or her music. -Basic: -Strophic (AAA) -Binary (AB) -Ternary (ABC) -Rounded Binary (ABA) Theme and Variations -This form begins with a theme: the main melody or tune. -The theme is followed by one or more variations on the melody. -Composers get extremely creative with the variations. So creative, in fact, that the melody can be hard to recognize sometimes! Theme and Variations -The theme may be manipulated by changing the elements of music in the original: 1. Tempo 5. Timbre 2. Dynamics 6. Texture 3. Pitch 7. Form 4. Rhythm Rondo Form -Rondo is an Italian word that means round. A rondo is an instrumental form with a refrain that keeps coming back. Unlike the verses of a song, though, the music in a rondo changes between each repetition of the refrain. -Classical rondo form has at least 3 statements of the refrain (A) and at least 2 contrasting sections (B and C) creating symmetrical patterns such as ABACA, ABACABA, or even ABACADA. Sonata Form The sonata form has 3 specific sections: 1. Exposition-the home key (tonic) is established. Usually contains 2 themes. 2. Development-in a new key, explores new harmonies. Provides contrast. Ends with a retransition. 3. Recapitulation-Reinforces the original theme and tonic. Sonata Form Multi-Movement Works Symphony -an extended musical composition almost always scored for orchestra -four movements, the first being in sonata form -Became popular in the Classical Era, elevated by Beethoven in the Romantic Era. Concerto -a work for orchestra featuring a soloist (or group of soloists) usually in 3 movements Sonata -A sonata is a specific form but it is also a type of work. -“Sonata” literally means a piece that is played, as opposed to a “cantata” which is sung. -A sonata is most often a multi-movement work for a solo instrument with the first movement being in sonata form. Sonata Popular instrument choices: -Keyboard Solo (piano: Mozart, Beethoven) -Violin or Cello (also Beethoven, often accompanied by piano) -Flute or other woodwind (Bach) Sonatina -means little sonata -Usually shorter, lighter, less complex movements than a true sonata Suite -sometimes written for orchestra or other group -sometimes written for solo instrument -begins with a prelude, followed by a collection of various Baroque dance styles all in the same key with multiple tempos and meter signatures. Single Movement Works Overture -A short introductory piece for orchestra that is played before the start of a play, opera, musical, or other similar larger work. -The overture often introduces musical themes that will be heard and expanded upon during the main work. Prelude -A short piece used to introduce a key or a theme. -Sometimes preludes stand alone, not preceding anything. (Chopin) Fugue -a contrapuntal composition with two or more voices, built on a subject (theme) that is introduced at the beginning in imitation and recurs frequently in the course of the composition. -sometimes preceded by a toccata (piece for virtuoso) or prelude (short, introductory piece) Nocturne -A piece that is meant to be evocative or representative of the nighttime. -Chopin wrote almost 20 pieces in this style for solo piano. Ballade -a piece usually for solo piano -Meant to imitate the ‘ballad’ vocal songs -Chopin was the first to use this term as a title for his piano works. Etude -a short piece for solo instrument -from French meaning ‘to study’ -written for the purpose of perfecting certain areas of technique or demonstrating mastery of various skills -Chopin’s were considerably difficult Other instrumental works Chamber Music A vague term encompassing music where each part is played by one instrument. -Trio -Quartet -Quintet Composers to Highlight Johann Sebastian Bach -arguably the greatest composer of all time -Produced a large amount of work for keyboard (harpsichord and organ, pre-piano) -“The Well-Tempered Clavier” Ludwig van Beethoven -Next to Bach, Beethoven is ranked as one of the most influential composers. -‘Bridged the gap’ between the Classical and Romantic Eras, utilizing traditional harmonic structure and form while experimenting with extravagant and emotional writing in the Romantic style. Frederic Chopin -Composed primarily for solo piano -Despite being sickly his entire life, he composed and performed at a virtuosic level -Responsible for some of the most recognized and performed music of the Romantic Era.