The term musical form refers to two concepts:
In the "Classical" period, the title "sonata" is typically given to a work composed of three or four movements. Foten sonata form refers just to the structure of an individual movement.
Sonata sample: Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1 - I. Allegro
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The word "symphony" is from the Greek word, Συμφωνία, meaning "sounding
together". In the 17th century, for most of the Baroque period, the terms
symphony and sinfonia were used for a range
of different compositions, including instrumental pieces used in operas,
sonatas and concertos — usually part of a larger work.
The opera sinfonia, or Italian overture had, by the 18th century, a standard structure of three contrasting movements: fast; slow; fast and dance-like. It is this form that is often considered as the direct forerunner of the orchestral symphony. The terms "overture", "symphony" and "sinfonia" were widely regarded as interchangeable for much of the 18th century.
Symphony sample: Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93 - I. Allegro vivace e con brio
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In the late 16th century there was often no clear distinction made between a concerto and a sinfonia. Both of these terms were even used throughout the 17th century, in Italy, to describe vocal music with instrumental accompaniment; Giovanni Gabrieli published motets using either of these terms indiscriminately.
Starting at about 1675, composers started to write works for divided orchestra, often called concerto grosso. The smaller division, which was effectively a group of soloists, was referred to in these works as the concertino and the accompanying instruments were called the ripieno, while tutti was used to indicate the two groups playing simultaneously.
The concertos of Bach’s sons are the best links between those of the Baroque
period and those of Mozart. Bach’s keyboard concertos contain some brilliant
soloistic writing. Some of them have movements that run into one another
without a break, and there are frequent cross-movement thematic references.
Mozart, as a boy, made arrangements for harpsichord and orchestra of three sonata movements by Johann Christian Bach. By the time he was twenty, he was able to write concerto ritornelli that gave the orchestra admirable opportunity for asserting its character in an exposition with some five or six sharply contrasted themes, before the soloist enters to elaborate on the material. He wrote one concerto each for flute, oboe (later rearranged for flute and known as Flute Concerto No. 2), clarinet, and bassoon, four for horn, a Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra, and a Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra.
Concerto sample: Concerto in A Minor, Op. 102 'Double Concerto' - I. Allegro
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The études that are most widely admired are those which transcend their practical function and come to be appreciated simply as music. For example, Chopin's études are considered not just technically difficult, but also musically very powerful and expressive.
Etude sample: Étude No. 1 in A Flat Major, WoO
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An overture (from the French word, ouverture, meaning opening) in music is the instrumental introduction. It is frequently an opening to a larger dramatic work such as an opera. Earlier usage of the word also referred to collections of movements, known as suites. Later works, such as Beethoven's overture Leonora No 3 mark a transition between the concept of overture as introduction to a dramatic entertainment, and musical forms such as the symphonic poem, which are work .
Overture sample: The Marriage of Figaro - Overture