Another method of enlargement consists in associating two different—though somewhat related—Song-Forms. The practice was so common in certain of the older dances, particularly in the minuet, that this design is also known as the Minuet Form.
THE PRINCIPAL SONG.—The first division, called the principal song, is either a Two-Part or a Three-Part Song-form,—most commonly the latter. It is generally entirely complete in itself; the fact that another division is to be added, does not affect its character, form, or conception.
THE "TRIO," OR SUBORDINATE SONG.—The division which follows, as second song-form, was formerly called the "Trio," and it has retained the name in the majority of examples of this form, although the old custom that gave rise to the term has long since been discontinued. A more accurate designation, and one that we shall here adopt, is "Subordinate Song." (Other names, which the student will encounter, are "maggiore," "minore," "intermezzo," "alternative," etc.).
Like the principal song, its fellow (the subordinate song) may be either a Two-Part or a Three-Part design. It is very likely to resemble its principal song in species of measure, tempo, and general style; and its key may be the same as that of the principal division, or, at least, related to it. But similarity of style is by no means obligatory, the element of contrast having become more important than Unity, in a design of such extent. It is also usually complete in itself, though its connection with its principal song may involve a few measures of transitional material.
THE "DA CAPO."—This association of song-forms is subject to the principle which governs all tripartite forms, namely, the return to the beginning, and confirmation of the first (or principal) statement; not only because of the general desirability of such a return, but because the necessity for it increases with the growth of the form. In a design that comprises a number of entire song-forms, it may be regarded as indispensable.
Therefore, the subordinate song is followed by a recurrence of the principal song,—called the da capo (or "from the beginning"), because of those Italian words of direction given to the player upon reaching the end of the "Trio," or subordinate song. The reproduction of the principal division is likely to be literal, so that the simple directions "da capo" suffice, instead of re-writing the entire division. But, here again, changes may be made,—generally unimportant variations which do not obscure the form; or an abbreviation, or even slight extension. And a codetta or coda is sometimes added to the whole.
The Song with Trio is thus seen to correspond to the Three-Part Song-form, upon a larger scale. The several Parts of the latter become complete Song-forms. An important distinction, to which especial attention must be directed, is the completeness of the contents of each song-form, and their fairly distinct separation from each other, in the Song with Trio. The significance of these traits will become apparent to the analytic student, as he progresses along the line of form-evolution into the still larger designs.
LESSON 12.—The following examples all belong to the Song with Trio. They should be analyzed as usual, each Song separately, defining the Parts, their form, and other details, as minutely as possible. Careful analysis is the first condition of intelligent interpretation; and the more complete the analysis, the fuller and more authoritative the interpretation:—
Beethoven, pianoforte sonatas: op. 2, No. 1, third movement; the divisions are called Menuetto and Trio, therefore this is an authentic type of the present design; each is a complete Three-Part Song-form; the key is the same, though a change from minor into major takes place; after the Trio, the Menuetto does not re-appear (on the printed page), but its reproduction is demanded by the words Menuetto da capo, at the end of the Trio.
Op. 2, No. 2, Scherzo and Trio.