arch form

formarch formfrom English

A palindromic musical structure that mirrors itself around a central axis, typically ABCBA

In Depth

Arch form creates a symmetrical structure where the second half reverses the order of the first half, with a unique central section at the apex. Béla Bartók was the most systematic user of arch form, employing it in his Fourth and Fifth String Quartets, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and the Concerto for Orchestra. The form creates a sense of departure and return on a large scale, with the central movement serving as the dramatic focal point.

Did you know?

Bartók's Fourth String Quartet is a perfect arch: movements I and V are related, II and IV are related, and III stands alone at the centre.

Related Terms

Bartók

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concerto grosso

A Baroque orchestral form featuring a small group of soloists contrasted with the full ensemble

sinfonia

A three-voice contrapuntal composition for keyboard, or in earlier usage, an instrumental introduction to an opera or cantata

lyric

The words of a song, or a style of singing characterised by a light, sweet quality.

song form

A ternary structure (ABA) widely used in art song, popular song, and instrumental music

coda

A concluding passage that brings a piece or movement to an end.

invention

A short contrapuntal composition for keyboard in two voices, designed as a study in polyphonic technique

bagatelle

A short, light piano piece, often of modest technical demands

AABA form

A 32-bar song form consisting of four 8-bar sections: two statements of the theme, a contrasting bridge, and a return

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