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What are classical forms?

Classical musical forms:

- Rondo

- ABACA pattern

- A theme returns between contrasting episodes

- Sonata-allegro form

- Used in first movements of sonatas

- Exposition: two themes in different keys

- Development: themes are developed and modulated

- Recapitulation: themes return in original keys

- Minuet and trio

- Ternary form

- Minuet: in a moderate tempo, often in triple meter

- Trio: in a contrasting character, such as faster or slower

- Theme and variations

- A melody is presented (theme), followed by variations on the melody

- Variations may change rhythm, harmony, key, or instrumentation

- Fugue

- A polyphonic composition in which a short melody (subject) is introduced and then imitated by other voices

- Concerto

- Soloist(s) accompanied by an orchestra

- Three movements: fast-slow-fast

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