for Intermediate Students

The hamburger above has meat surrounded by a bun on the top and bottom; in other words -- Bread - MEAT - Bread.

To express this hamburger in a mathematical formula we might say this hamburger is in the form - A-B-A.

The Bread found on the top and bottom of the hamburger is the A part of the formula and the MEAT in the middle is expressed by the letter B.

Can music ever be expressed with the formula - A-B-A?

The Song - Old MacDonald - demonstrates ABA Form.

The A part of the piece tells us the main part of the story.

Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O. Click on A to hear the A section

The B part of the song tells us of the animals Old MacDonald has on his farm.

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there; here a moo; there a moo; everywhere a moo moo. Click on B to hear the B section.

The A part returns.

Old MacDanald had a farm E-I-E-I-O. Click on A to hear the A section

Click on Town Cryer Icon to download .pdf file of Old MacDonald

in music manuscript. Then follow along as you listen to the ABA excerpts below.

Click on Dog Icon to download a complete recording of Chopin's Minute Waltz; sometimes called the Dog Waltz. Listen closely. Can you spot the ABA Form?

Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is said to have been inspired by Chopin watching his friend's small dog chasing its tail. The way Chopin captures this image is fascinating. Sometimes this composition if referred to as the "Dog Waltz"

"Minute Waltz" is better translated "Small Waltz". Compared to some of Chopin's other waltzes, this one is smaller in scope. However, it is still a fine piece of music and clearly demonstates ABA form very well.

A good example of an ABA composition in the intermediate level is Beethoven's Ecossaise in G.

The performance is AABBA. It is not unusual for the A or B section to be repeated. This doesn't change the basic ABA structure.

Now that you've learned about ABA musical form listen carefully to the music you learn and listen too. ABA is not only found in classical music but is often used by popular and jazz composers, too.

Click on Grammophone Icon to download a complete recording of Beethoven's Ecossaise in G. Listen closely. Can you spot the ABA Form?

Click on FolderIcon to download a music manuscript of Beethoven's Ecossaise in G. Follow along with the recording to help you spot the ABA Form?

If you would, try learning Beethoven's Ecossaise in G. Your teacher will help you decide if this is a good piece for you to learn at this time.

Can you now see the relationship between a hamburger and a piece of music?

Can you think of anything else that would fit the formula ABA?