How would you best define a "binary form" in music?

A binary form in music is best defined by its structure consisting of two contrasting sections. This type of form typically presents an A section followed by a B section, where each part may have distinct melodies, themes, or harmonic progressions. The contrasting nature of the two sections is what characterizes binary form, allowing for a clear delineation between the two musical ideas.

Understanding this form highlights its importance in various musical compositions, particularly in dance music and Baroque pieces, where the interplay between the contrasting sections can create a dynamic listening experience. While repeated phrases, symmetrical repetition, and single thematic development are related concepts in music composition, they do not accurately capture the essence of binary form, which is defined specifically by the existence of two distinct, contrasting sections.