Musical Forms & Structures Vocabulary

an extended orchestral composition in multiple movements

“Beethoven's Ninth Symphony changed music forever.”

Origin: Greek symphonia `agreement of sound`, from syn `together` + phone `sound`

a composition for solo instrument and orchestra

“The piano concerto showcased the soloist's virtuosity.”

Origin: Italian concerto `concert, agreement`, from concertare `to harmonize`

a composition for one or two instruments in several movements

“The Moonlight Sonata remains beloved.”

Origin: Italian sonata `sounded`, from sonare `to sound`

a composition where themes are introduced and developed contrapuntally

“Bach's fugues demonstrate supreme craftsmanship.”

Origin: Italian fuga `flight`, from Latin fugere `to flee`

a self-contained piece for one voice in an opera

“The soprano's aria brought tears to the audience.”

Origin: Italian aria `air, tune`

an orchestral introduction to an opera or musical work

“The overture previewed the opera's main themes.”

Origin: French ouverture `opening`, from Latin apertura

a concluding passage bringing a piece to an end

“The coda provided a triumphant finish.”

Origin: Italian coda `tail`, from Latin cauda

a virtuosic solo passage near the end of a movement

“The violinist's cadenza was breathtaking.”

Origin: Italian cadenza `cadence`, from Latin cadere `to fall`

a mass for the dead or a musical setting of it

“Mozart's Requiem was left unfinished at his death.”

Origin: Latin requiem `rest`, first word of the Mass for the Dead

a dreamy, romantic composition suggesting night

“Chopin's nocturnes define the genre.”

Origin: French nocturne `nocturnal`, from Latin nocturnus