Common Small Forms

Works with Sounds Online Music Theory – IV: Form Common Small Forms

Here are some small forms that are commonly used in classical music:

Binary: A|B
- This form consists of two sections, each ending with cadences, where the first section modulates to a different key and the second section returns to the original key.
Ternary: A|B|A
- This form is often explained as a statement, digression, and restatement. It’s comprised of three sections with the middle section being noticeably different than the first and last.
Rounded Binary: A|BA
- This form is a variation of the Binary with an important distinction, the A material returns in a shortened state at the end to conclude the piece. One important difference between Rounded Binary and Ternary is that the B material in Rounded Binary is typically too short to stand on its own and is usually built from the A material.

Here’s a diagram of the Rounded Binary form. It differs from Ternary in that it features only two independent sections rather than three.

Strophic: A|A|A|etc.
- The Strophic form is typically used in songs. This form is typified by a repeating section that is accompanied with a different set of lyrics.