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It creates interest through interplay among "memory, variation, and progression." Though the form appears to be static and to deny progress, the pairs of movements create a "unidirectional process" with the center, and the form "actually engenders specific expressive possibilities that would otherwise be unavailable for the work as a whole." (Wilson 1992, p.32)

Béla Bartók is noted for his use of arch form, e.g., in his Fourth and Fifth quartets, ''Second Piano Concerto'', and, less so, ''Second Violin Concerto'' (ibid). Samuel Barber 's Adagio For Strings also uses arch form.

Most popular structure = ABCBA


SOURCE

  • Wilson, Paul (1992). ''The Music of Béla Bartók''. ISBN 0-300-05111-5.