Group Of Parts


In some, comparatively rare, instances, the

arrangement of perfect cadences is such that,--coupled with

independence of melodic formation and character,--the composition seems

to separate into four or more individual sections or Parts, with or

without a recurrence of the First one; or into three different Parts,

lacking the evidence of the return to the beginning. When such

irregularities are encountered, or when any
onditions appear which

elude or baffle natural classification among the Three-Part Song-forms

(simple or enlarged), the piece may be called a group of Parts. The

use of this term is entirely legitimate, and is commended to the

student on account of its convenience, for all examples of the

Song-form which, upon thoroughly conscientious analysis, present

confusing features, at variance with our adopted classification. Of

one thing only he must assure himself,--that the design is a

Song-form (i.e. an association of Parts), and not one of the

larger forms to be explained in later chapters. The definition is

given in Chapter IX (on page 84).



A fair illustration of the utility of the term Group of Parts is seen

in Schumann, op. 68, No. 18. Others will be cited in the following

Lesson.



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