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