What are question and answer phrases in piano music?

In piano music, question and answer phrases are musical patterns consisting of two distinct and contrasting musical ideas or gestures. The first phrase, the 'question', presents a musical fragment which seems incomplete or unresolved, suggesting anticipation for a continuation. This is followed by a second phrase, the 'answer', which provides a satisfying musical response, closing and completing the idea initiated in the 'question' phrase.

The dynamic nature of question and answer phrases creates interesting musical dialogues and builds expressive interactions between performers or sections within a work, such as between a soloist and an accompanying ensemble. These patterns occur as structural, melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, or motivic features within piano music, contributing to overall form and shaping dynamic musical narratives.