ternary form

formTER-nah-ree formfrom English

A musical structure with three sections where the first returns, ABA.

In Depth

Ternary form (ABA) is a three-part structure where the first section returns after a contrasting middle section. The return of A provides a satisfying sense of symmetry and closure, while the B section offers contrast in key, mood, texture, or all three. Ternary form is one of the most common structures in music, found in everything from pop songs to concert arias. The [da capo aria](/term/da%20capo%20aria) is essentially ternary form with an ornamented repeat. The minuet and trio is a compound ternary form (each section is itself in binary or small ternary form). Simple as it is, ternary form provides a deeply satisfying balance of variety and unity.

Did you know?

The [da capo aria](/term/da%20capo%20aria) — opera's signature vocal form for over a century — is essentially ternary form with built-in improvisation. The return of A was the singer's moment to dazzle.

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