Form in music

[elsie07]

What is the difference between AB form (which has two different sections) and through-composition (which has no repeating sections)?  AB form can have repeats of the same section (as in, AABB), but I see that as being the only difference.

Are there any other differences?

[oscarr111111]

I would assume in AB form there is a more 'definate' divide between the two sections, whereas through-composed music would generally be more linear.

[a-sharp]

That's what I was going to say, but you said it better.

In Scarlatti's sonatas - doesn't the end of the A section have a typical/standard-ish cadence, and the end of the 2nd, returns to the home key? I could be completely wrong... And I don't know if this defines ALL AB-form music... (or even Scarlatti's sonatas, for that matter ~)

[elsie07]

Thanks!!

[slobone]

There has to be a definite contrast between the two sections. A change of key, or of tempo, or at least of texture. And once the A section is over, no parts of it are repeated later.

Chopin wrote some pieces in AB form, I believe Schubert did too, but no examples spring to mind.

[ramseytheii]

I wonder if terminology is being confused?  Schubert wrote different kinds of songs, strophic, and through-composed.  The designations relate to how he set the words to music.

I can't think of many pieces before 1900 that have no "sections" that repeat, so I don't think there is really a distinction between "AB" form and "through-composed" in the sense that you mean. 

Walter Ramsey

[eastman_grad]

There is way too much emphasis on letter-name analysis because it fails to tell us much about the form of a given piece. I came across this great video with an example of just how such an approach can lead us astray.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=eq_vSA6GhJg

I am getting a real kick out of this guy - he sure seems to know his stuff. He's got a website too if anyone's interested: www.drewsical.com

Best,

E.G.