Fernando G asked 8 years ago
Hello Jon. I’ve been eagerly trying to analyze some comporser’s works, trying to find out how they managed to create their pieces. Regarding Chopin, I found a different structure from periods, sentences or hybrids in some of his waltzes. When googling further, I found some opinions that states that some of his waltzes are in compound ternary form.
I’ve read a few topics online, such as this definition: “piece in compound ternary form is a ternary piece in which at least one of its part can be subdivided into two or more parts”, which doesn’t clear my doubt (or, at least, does not differentiate from small ternary form). The wikipedia article also doesn’t clear it up for me, as it introduces the “trio” concept, which I’m not familiar with (other than it being a type of appendix to a dance piece such as a minuet).
So I was wondering if you have some video about compound ternary form, or if it is just like the small ternary form, but with A being a compound sentence / compound period, or if it is something else. Also, is there something like “compound binary form”?
Thanks in advance!
Jon Brantingham Staff answered 8 years ago
It appears the Compound Ternary Form is generally synonymous with Minuet-Trio form.
Minuet Trio, is easier to understand like this:
Three sections – Minuet, Trio, Minuet
The opening minuet could theoretically be any theme type, however, I believe small binary, and small ternary are the most common. Here is an article I wrote on small binary, if you are interested.
They are usually 3/4 time, which is why the form shows up in his waltzes.
I bet through, if you were to analyze each individual section, you would probably find many sentences, periods, and hybrids. But along with this, would be more liberal use of loosening techniques. Remember, with Chopin being far beyond the classical era (most of his composing was in the 1830s/40s), the conventions had already changed significantly and form was becoming much more free.
I am not familiar with any compound binary form.
Fernando G
replied 8 years ago Thanks, as always. Cheers!