Phrase
A complete musical thought, analogous to a sentence in spoken language.
Category
form
Origin
Greek
Length
179 words · 1 min read
About Phrase
A phrase is a unit of musical form — a self-contained passage that expresses a coherent idea and typically ends with a cadence or a moment of repose. Phrases are the building blocks of larger formal structures: two phrases often combine to form a period (antecedent and consequent), and periods group into sections and movements.
More form terms
Movement
View all formterms →A self-contained section within a larger multi-part composition such as a symphony or concerto
AriaA self-contained piece for solo voice with instrumental accompaniment, typically within an opera or oratorio
PreludeAn introductory piece of music that precedes a larger work or stands as an independent short composition
Theme and VariationsA form in which a theme is stated and then altered through a series of variations
SuiteA collection of short movements grouped together, often based on dance forms or sharing a common theme
Synonyms
See Also
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →