Essentially a form in three main parts, starting with an Introduction followed by the exposition, development and Recapitulation and ending with a Coda. As a form it was established in the Classical period and has remained an important musical form since then. The excerpt is the start of a movement in Sonata form.
Bridge
A section of music which joins two main themes or parts
of a movement together
Exposition
The initial statement of a theme or musical idea on which a movement is based.
1. The first section of a movement in Sonata form in which both he first and second subjects are introduced. The section ends with a codetta. It was often written in the score that this section should be repeated, but this is not always the case in performance.
The excerpt is the start of a solo exposition form a concerto.
2. In fugue this was the initial statement of the subject with this excerpt the start of an exposition in a Fugue
Subject
1. A group of notes or a theme forming a basic element or idea in a composition by repetition or development with this excerpt the first subject in a concerto as played by a solo instrument.
2. The main theme of a Fugue.
Listen to the start of the first subject of a Fugue
Counter-subject
In a fugue after the Subject or Answer is played, the continuation on that instrument or voice is called the Counter-subject.
Usually refers to the entries in a fugue, usually the middle,where each part comes in one after the other with the entries overlapping one another. Here is an example of Stretto from a Bach fugue.
Real Answer
In a fugue, for example, after the first entry has been Sequence stated there is an answer (or second statement at a different pitch ). If this answer is not modified to keep the music within a certain key the it is a real answer. Likewise with sequence, if it is not modified to keep it within a key it is a real sequence.
Tonal answer
In a fugue, for example, after the first entry has been / sequence stated there is an answer (or second statement at a different pitch ). If this answer is slightly modified to keep the music within a certain key then it is tonal answer. Likewise with sequence, if it is modified to keep it within a key it is a tonal sequence
Transition
A less important passage which will link to a major theme.
Ritornello
The most frequent application of this term is to the full orchestra sound in a Concerto Grosso.
Episode
The term used to describe contrasting sections between recurrences of a main theme. At all times these are not as important and are subordinate to the main theme.
Basso Continuo and Continuo
Often referred to just as Continuo and is the name given to the bass line in early compositions up to and including the Baroque period. This was a figured bass line which was played by a Cello or Bassoon while a keyboard player improvised an accompaniment from the figured bass on a Harpsichord or Organ. The excerpt is of continuo playing along with solo instruments.
Now
listen to continuo playing along with recitative.
1. An inverted chord is formed when a note other than the root is in the bass.
2. In serial composition the “Tone Row” may be used in inverted form. This appears as a mirror image (in contrary motion.) The tone row may be used in retrograde inversion.
Retrograde
To go backwards. A melody or a section of music can be written/ preformed from the end to the beginning. The texture of the music including the harmonies can be written/performed from the end to the beginning. Retrograde inversion means the music can be written/performed backwards and upside down at the same time. These are serial techniques. see Tone Row. The excerpt is the retrograde version of a tone row from the Berg Violin Concerto.
Leitmotiv
Leading motif. This is recurring theme symbolizing a character, emotion or object and was first used in connection with the works of Wagner.
Listen to an example from a Wagner Opera.