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Definition of ternary form in English:

ternary form

noun

Music

  • The form of a movement in which the first subject is repeated after an interposed second subject in a related key.

    ‘In the 20th century, ternary form was used by Bartók, and even by Webern, who reverted to old structural forms in his 12-note instrumental works dating from 1927 to 1940.’
    • ‘The first two pieces are in ternary form with a fast-slow-fast regimen.’
    • ‘In the Andante the adoption of a simple ternary form allows him the freedom to grapple with his 12-note technique.’
    • ‘Unlike the binary form, the ternary form's sections are each complete and whole themselves; they do not need each other for finality or resolution.’
    • ‘How is ternary form used in the Viennese waltz sets of the later 19th century?’

Pronunciation

ternary form

/ˈtərnərē fôrm/ /ˈtərnəri fɔrm/