Binary form

EnglishForm & Structure

A two-part form (AB) where each section is typically repeated. The A section moves to the dominant; B returns to the tonic.

How Composers Use It

Binary form is the foundation of Baroque dance movements and eventually evolved into sonata form. In rounded binary, the A material returns within B — this is the embryo of sonata form. Most Baroque suite movements use binary form.

Example

Bach's French Suites — each dance movement (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) is in binary form with repeats.

Related Terms

Ternary form Sonata form

Binary form is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.

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