Musical Form and Structure

Musical form refers to the structure or overall plan of a piece of music. It can be described by the usage of letters: A, B, C, etc.
Binary Form (AB): A musical form that has two contrasting sections often repeated.
Ternary Form (ABA): A musical form made up of three sections. The first and third sections are the same, while the second section is different.
Rondo Form (ABACA): A musical form with a recurring main theme (A) that alternates with different sections (B, C, etc.).
Strophic Form (AAA): A musical form where all verses or stanzas of the text are sung to the same melody. Often used in songs and hymns.
Sonata Form: A complex musical form using exposition, development and recapitulation. Often used in the first movement of a sonata or symphony.
Theme and Variations: A musical form where a main theme is established and then altered in successive sections.

Ornaments: Includes grace notes, trills, and mordents which add expressivity to the melody.
Pedal: A sustained or repeated note, usually in the bass, during which the harmony changes.
Ostinato: A recurring rhythmic or melodic pattern.
Hemiola: A rhythmic device giving the impression of a shift between triple and duple time.
Canon: A form of counterpoint with one voice strictly imitating another at a fixed distance.
Cross-rhythm: A layered rhythm that creates a conflict with the underlying beat.
Inversion: The process of turning a melody upside down.
Augmentation and Diminution: Respectively, lengthening or shortening a melody.

Remember: Identifying the musical form and recognising the devices used are integral steps in successfully analysing a piece of music.