verse
A section of a song with recurring music but changing lyrics.
In Depth
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone was revolutionary partly because its verses are twice as long as a typical pop verse — the story builds and builds before the explosive chorus.
Related Terms
More in Form
Browse allA 32-bar song form consisting of four 8-bar sections: two statements of the theme, a contrasting bridge, and a return
The slow, meditative opening section of an Indian classical raga performance, exploring the raga without rhythm.
A palindromic musical structure that mirrors itself around a central axis, typically ABCBA
A self-contained song for a solo voice, typically in an opera or oratorio.
A period of medieval Western music from approximately 1170 to 1310, characterized by the development of early polyphony.
A musical style of the late medieval period (c. 1310–1377), notable for its rhythmic innovation and increased complexity.
A short, light piano piece, often of modest technical demands
A dramatic moment in electronic music where a deep, sub-bass frequency is suddenly introduced.