Classical music appreciation: basics - part II: Form

Simple and versatile in its generic ABA, the form of the song is the most basic of the forms commonly found in classical music. Let us see its features.

An expanded version of the form of the song, the rondo is used in very different kind of pieces and has a different personality.
It is a popular form and commonly found in the late XVIII century; it is definitely worth spending some time learning about it.

The theme with variations is maybe the most beloved form ever, and in this lecture we will find out why: how it works, how it is built, the reasons of its charm.

A truly exquisite example of ornamental variations, moment after moment this piece leads us is a world of endless interest and charm, renewed with each variation and within each variation.

Intense, touching, heart-tearing, memorable: the "journey" kind of variations are embodied greatly by "Death and the Maiden" by Franz Schubert: in the end the music, and us alongside, will be transformed.

Follow me in this unforgettable experience.

My choice of example for the fugue could not be by anyone else than Johann Sebastian Bach. His mind gave birth to hundreds of highly complex, dense, beautiful fugues: he is truly the master of this form.

In order to fully understand the most important form of the history of music, the sonata form, it is necessary to spend some words on the context that made its birth necessary and the mindset it incarnates. In this lecture our focus is the birth of Classicism and its relationship with the Enlightenment, father and mother of the sonata form.

Time to learn the organization of the sonata form and all the sections that are part of it, their role and their relationships, as well as the path they draw trough the music.

This delicious piece I chose as example of sonata form will give us the possibility of following with ease all the complex structure we have seen in the previous lecture.

Despite being a relatively simple piece, its beauty and quality are truly outstanding!

In order to have a better understanding (and enjoyment!) it is worth spending a lecture in listening through the piece by Haydn. We do it here!

As we have already said many times, the sonata form is not just a structure, but has a deep cultural meaning. We talk briefly about its hidden nature in this lecture.

Time for a larger piece featuring the sonata form! Ludwig van Beethoven was among the great composers who loved the sonata form the most and used it in its full potential.

This first movement of his second symphony is a blood-boiling, vein-shaking bath in Beethoven's musical language and his will of breaking the limits. Enjoy!

It is worth dedicating a small lecture to this form, since it is very common being every time there in the classical symphony.
A pretty simple and predictable form, but it is definitely good to know its features.

My final thoughts on the topic of this course: the destiny of form during Romanticism and our relationship with form while listening.

Please check out the bonus lectures for a recap of everything and free resources.
It has been a pleasure spending time with you. See you next time with more great music!