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Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What compositional devices and harmonic features are studied in Area of Study 1, and how do you hear them?

The compositional devices and harmony of Area of Study 1: sequence, ostinato, pedal, syncopation, imitation and canon, together with the harmonic language of the Western Classical Tradition including primary chords, cadences, modulation and major or minor tonality.
The devices and harmony of WJEC Area of Study 1: sequence, ostinato, pedal, syncopation, imitation and canon, plus the harmonic language of the Western Classical Tradition, including primary chords, cadences, modulation and major or minor tonality, and how to recognise each.
15 min answer →

What are the main forms of Western classical music studied in Area of Study 1, and how do you recognise them by ear?

The forms of the Western Classical Tradition (about 1650 to 1910) studied in Area of Study 1: binary, ternary, minuet and trio, rondo, theme and variations, and strophic form, and how each is built from repetition, contrast and the return of material.
The forms in WJEC Area of Study 1, Musical Forms and Devices: binary, ternary, minuet and trio, rondo, theme and variations, and strophic form from the Western Classical Tradition (about 1650 to 1910), and how to recognise each by its plan of repetition, contrast and return.
15 min answer →

What do you need to know about the set work, Grieg's Anitra's Dance, for Area of Study 1?

The Area of Study 1 set work, Anitra's Dance from Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No.1: its ternary structure, light string-and-triangle scoring, triple-time mazurka dance character, minor tonality with chromatic colour, and the use of pizzicato, grace notes and dynamic contrast to paint Anitra's seductive dance.
A complete guide to the WJEC Area of Study 1 set work, Anitra's Dance from Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No.1: its ternary form, light string and triangle scoring, triple-time mazurka character, minor tonality with chromatic colour, and the use of pizzicato, grace notes and dynamics.
16 min answer →