Members Page Journal Index First Aid Instructional Papers Forum

Table of Contents

Rhythm
Intervals
Key and Scale
Triads and key
Seventh Chords
Non-harm. tones
Roman num/
fig bass 1
Dom-tonic function
Secondary dom
Modulation
Aug 6th Chords
Neap 6th Chords

Section 2:

Borrowed chords
Mediants
Special uses of dim 7
Chromatic non-H tones
Roman num/
figured bass 2

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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Contents Journal Index First Aid Instructional Papers Forum

rounded binary form

Basic Concepts

1. Rounded Binary form is simply binary form with a restatement of the A section.

2. This means that it is harmonically open, the A section ending on harmony other than tonic and requiring a B section to close the harmony back to tonic.

3. The primary difference between rounded binary form (ABA) and ternary form (also ABA), is the treatment of the harmony. The A section in ternary form is harmonically closed, so it can end the composition without alteration, since it ends with tonic. The A section of binary and rounded binary leads away from tonic and requires the B section to bring back the tonic. In rounded binary, since it ends with a restatement of A, the second A section is altered so it ends with tonic. Therefore, if it is marked with da capo, it will require a second ending device.

4. Another usual difference (and there are exceptions) between rounded binary and ternary are the characteristics of the A and B sections. The B section of the binary forms is often related in character to the A section. Sometimes it will develop a theme, for example. The B section of a ternary form is usually contrasting in character. Often this section will be in another mode or key.