Table of Contents

Section 3: 

Set theory
Rhythm/ form 
12- tone 
Polyrhythm
Metric modulation
Meter

Section 4: 

Basic Assumptions 
Motive, Phrase and Period
Cadence
Binary form
Ternary form
Rounded binary form
Sonata form
Rondo form
Theme and variation
Dance forms

Section 5: 

Basic assumptions 
and procedures
Harmony
Form and rhythm
Melody
Timbre

Section 6: Bibliography

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Binary Form

Basic Concepts

1.  Binary form consists of two parts, usually designated A and B, although sometimes it is characterized A and A' (read A prime).

2.  Binary form is harmonically open, meaning that the A section proceeds away from tonic and requires the B section to close the harmony back to tonic.  In major, the first section usually proceeds to the dominant; in minor, it usually proceeds to the relative major.

3.  The most basic construction using binary form is the melodic period, an antecedent phrase leading away from tonic followed by a consequent phrase leading back to tonic.  Whole movements or compositions may be composed in binary form as well.

4.  Often, binary form will be incorporated into a part of a movement.  For example, in a theme and variations movement, the "theme" may be in binary form.  See Mozart Sonata in D major, K. 284, movement 3 for an example of this.

5.  One must be flexible with definitions of form since the various forms come in many permutations.  Therefore, allow the music to tell you its form; do not impose a specific form on the music.  It is best, when unsure of the exact form, to choose the form that most closely describes the actual music, then write about what makes it like that form, and how it differs.

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