Final answer:
Binary form in music is a structural compositional technique characterized by two sections: 'A' (statement) and 'B' (departure or contrast). This form can convey a range of human experiences, as evidenced by early 1800s Choctaw hymns. Such structures allow composers to express variations in melody, rhythm, harmony, and mood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Binary Form in Music
Binary form in music is one of the foundational structures utilized in musical composition. This form is characterized by two parts: the first is the 'A' section known as the statement, and the second is the 'B' section, which serves as a departure or contrast to the 'A' section. In the context of musical expressions and artistic creation, the binary form mirrors the human experience as highlighted in the cultural hymns of the Choctaw tribes during the early 1800s. These hymns used the binary structure to express a range of emotions and narratives about their forced relocation, reflecting both the collective and personal ordeals through music.
Binary form can be as simple as an AB structure where 'A' and 'B' are two distinct sections. The beauty of this form is that it allows for richness and diversity within a piece, while also providing a framework that is recognizably structured. This contrasts with other musical structures, such as ternary form (ABA) or rondo form (ABACAD, etc.).
When composers work within a specific form, such as binary, they apply musical language and techniques to generate a cohesive piece. The binary form's distinct sections could encompass variations in melody, rhythm, harmony, or mood—each contributing to the overall narrative of the piece, much like the volta in a Shakespearean sonnet introduces a significant turn in sentiment or thought.