Binary, ternary and rondo plans
What Binary, ternary and rondo plans means in Music GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Binary, ternary and rondo plans
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Binary, ternary and rondo plans in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Common plans: binary has two sections, A and B; ternary is A–B–A with the opening returning after a contrasting middle; rondo has a recurring A alternating with contrasting episodes.
Topics that use Binary, ternary and rondo plans
- Appendix 3: Musical vocabulary - Form and structure (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Contrast in the middle section
- Contrasting episodes (B, C)
- Distinction from ternary form
- Exact versus varied repetition
- Exposition, development and recapitulation
- Introduction
- Return of opening material
- Section order and return of material
Using Binary, ternary and rondo plans in the exam
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