Movements in Music

A quick guide to how “classical” pieces are often structured

Movements are divisions of larger pieces of music into sections, usually (but not always) marked by a pause in the performance. Works are that most often described as having movements are symphonies, concerti, sonatas and chamber pieces such as trios and quartets. However, it is also possible to use the term for the separate elements of suites, masses, sets of variations, and various kinds of program music. The divisions of operas and ballets are normally described as acts and scenes, thus reflecting their relationship with the theatre rather than the concert hall.

Independence

Movements are frequently seen as having a degree of independence from the work to which they belong. Classical music radio stations, such as the UK’s commercial station Classic FM, play separate movements more often than full symphonies, etc, and many listeners are often unaware of how they relate to the complete work. There are indeed some movements that are so famous in their own right that they have virtually left home — examples include Widor’s Toccata, which is actually the final movement of his Symphony for Organ №5, and the brilliant scherzo by Henry Litolff that is the 2nd movement of his Concerto Symphonique №4. In both cases, the vast majority of music listeners have not heard…