Texture/Structure/Form

Understanding Musical Texture

Texture in music refers to the layering of sounds and how they interact with each other.
Monophonic texture involves a single, unaccompanied melodic line, be it a single instrument or voice, or several playing or singing in unison.
Homophonic texture is characterised by one leading melody with its rhythm supported by a group of harmonies.
Polyphonic texture has two or more melodies of equal importance played at the same time, often producing a complex yet harmonious sound.
Heterophonic texture involves several musicians playing the same melody, but each one offers a slightly different interpretation, causing variations in rhythm and pitch.

Grasping Musical Structure

Structure refers to the organisation of musical ideas or themes within a composition.
Binary form (AB) is a musical structure with two sections: section A and section B.
Ternary form (ABA) features three parts where the first and the third sections (A) are musically identical, or very similar, and the second part (B) contrasts the first.
Strophic structure (AAA…) repeats the same music for each stanza of the poem or lyrics.
Rondo form (ABACA) features a principal theme that alternates with one or more contrasting themes.
Sonata form, used in the first movement of many symphonies and sonatas, usually has three sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Understanding Musical Form

Form in music is the overall plan or layout of a piece of music.
Theme and variations is a form where the melody (theme) is played and is then followed by a series of variations on that melody.
Fugue is a form popular in the Baroque period, which is based on a theme (subject) which is introduced and then played in different voices in imitation.
Song form (verse-chorus) is common in popular music; it alternates between verse sections (where the lyrics change) and the chorus section (where the same words and melody are repeated).
A symphony is a multi-movement work typically for orchestra, and a concerto is usually designed to display the virtuosity of the soloist with orchestral accompaniment.
Operas, operettas, and musicals are forms of music that incorporate drama/acting, singing, and sometimes dancing. Often, the story is primarily told through the lyrics of the songs.