The two-part song form

The two part song form is the smallest example of a binary "two part" structure. Its two divisions are alaogous to the structural units we have seen. That is, just as two phrases combine to make a larger period and two periods combine to make a double period, so too is the two-part song form composed of two smaller units of structure.

Simple Two Part Song Form

1. Part 1

a. between Phrase - Double Period in length.
b. Cadence at the end of Part 1 =

1. Authentic full cadence in the original key, dominant key or closely related key
2. semi-cadence on the dominant of the original key.

2. Part 2

a. between Phrase - Double Period in length. Often the same length or longer than part 1
b. Same key or related key as Part 1
b. Cadence at the end of Part 2 = Authentic in the original tonic.

Either or both of the parts may repeat as follows:

Repeat Structure of Simple Two Part Song ||: Part I :|| Part II || || Part I ||: Part II :|| ||: Part I :||: Part II :|| ||: Part I | Part II :||

Analysis: Schumann "Album for the Young, Op.68" - No.4 Ein Choral

Movement begins at 3:00.

Schumann "Album for the Young, Op.68" - No.4 Ein Choral
Form: Simple Two Part Song: Part 1= Parallel Period, Part 2 = Parallel Double Period

3. Differentiating between a contrasting double period and a two part song
When a contrasting double period assumes the form of a two part song, we look for any of the following.

a. A very stong cadence at the end of the first period. In a double period we would expect a weaker cadence between the periods than we would at the end of the first part of a simple two part form.
b. Repetition of, or within the periods.
c. A greater contrast between the two periods thereby deliniating themselves as completely separate structural units.

 

4. Musical Rhyme

a. The end of the Part 2 is a repetition or transposition of the end of Part 1.

Expanded Two Part Song Form

1. Part 1

a. Never less than a period in length
b. Cadence at the end of Part 1 similar to that of simple two part song:

1. Authentic full cadence in the original key, dominant key or closely related key
2. semi-cadence on the dominant of the original key.

2. Part 2

a. Uaually longer than part 1
b. May include extensions of various types
b. Cadence at the end of Part 2 = Authentic in the original tonic. = same as simple two part form

Either or both may include auxiliary members.

 

 

Homework:  1.  Analyze two of the three pieces below 2.  complete the writing assignment Analysis: Piece 1: Due next class Analyze Bartok Mikrokosmos Bk 1 #31 Analysis: Piece 2: Due next class Analyze Chopin Mazurka op 67 No 4 (1st 32 bars only) Analysis: Piece 3: Due next class Analyze The Weekend: Starboy as 2X 2 part song structure Homework: Assignment 2: Due in one week. Write an expanded two part song with no less than 32 measures. You must write out the complete accompaniment. Render your composition to an mp3 and submit both the PDF of the finale file and the mp3.to hmu310@gmail.com Be prepared to present your composition using the analytical tools we have discussed.