definitions for each
minuet and trio
rondo
scherzo
symphony
- Minuet and Trio: A minuet is a stately and elegant dance often featured in classical music compositions. It typically consists of a moderate tempo and a three-part structure, with the second section called the "trio." The trio is a contrasting section within the minuet, often featuring a different melody or harmonic progression.
- Rondo: A rondo is a musical form usually found in the last movement of a classical composition. It is characterized by a recurring main theme called the "refrain" or "rondo theme," which alternates with contrasting sections known as "episodes." The rondo form follows the structure of ABACADA, with the refrain returning after each episode.
- Scherzo: A scherzo is a fast-paced and lively musical composition that originated in the classical era as a replacement for the earlier minuet and trio form. It is often characterized by its playful and spirited nature. In terms of structure, a scherzo typically consists of a fast and energetic main section followed by contrasting material before returning to the main section.
- Symphony: A symphony is a large-scale composition typically written for an orchestra. It is considered one of the most important forms of classical music. Symphonies often consist of multiple movements, with the most common structure being four movements (fast, slow, moderate, fast). Each movement is a standalone piece with its own character and is usually composed in a designated musical form like sonata, variation, or rondo. Symphonies usually showcase the capabilities and sound palette of the orchestra while exploring complex melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic ideas.