Minore

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a heading over a section in the minor mode within a major-key movement — the trio of a minuet, a minor variation, a rondo episode. It covers the section until Maggiore, a da capo or the next heading.

Abbreviations: min.

How Composers Use It

Minore marks a structural shift of mode, usually to the parallel minor: a darker colour, more chromatic tension and drama before the major returns. Classical composers used it for trios and in variation sets; Beethoven’s Op. 22 Menuetto has a stormy Minore as its trio. Label it when the change defines the section, and plan the way back.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-flat major, Op. 22, third movement (Menuetto), m. 32: “Minore” at f, straight after the Menuetto’s “Fine” in m. 31; it ends “D.C. al Fine” at m. 50.

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