Why Do Some Musical Pieces Have Multiple Movements?
- Diana Mascari
- Jan 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 28
An Artistic Conversation Between Sound and Image: In Tandem Click Here To Watch the In Tandem Video
People often ask why some musical pieces don’t simply begin, develop, and end in one continuous stream of sound.
Why do composers divide a work into “movements?
For me, each movement is like a different way of seeing the same landscape—similar to how a single subject can be explored through multiple sketches, colors, or moods. Every time I compose a piece for a specific combination of instruments, such as a woodwind quintet or a saxophone quartet, I am excited to create music that explores the various possibilities for the ensemble. For me, doing this by writing different movements in different styles and tempos is both interesting and practical. We'll continue on this subject shortly.
In Tandem-a Collaboration Between Music and Art
Recently, the idea to combine the music and art came to life in my synergistic collaboration with my wife, Marcia Cole, called In Tandem. The project brings together her visual art from The Well Collection and my chamber music composition, Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello, and Piano, a piece written in five movements. Together, they form a kind of conversation between image and sound—two art forms moving side by side, each shaping how the other is experienced.
What Is a “Movement,” Really?
In classical music, a movement is like a chapter in a book. Each one has its own character, tempo, and emotional purpose, but all of them belong to the same larger story. A single movement might feel peaceful, restless, playful, or reflective. When placed together, those contrasting moods create a deeper, more complete experience than any one section could on its own.
In Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello, and Piano, the five movements aren’t meant to tell a literal story. Instead, they explore different emotional spaces—much like walking through a gallery and pausing in front of different paintings that all belong to the same exhibition.
Why Five Movements?
Some composers prefer to write single movement pieces. When they do this they often include a few different moods within this one movement. Although some composers use two movements, many use three, four, five or even more. I composed a piece called Mood Mosaic for Clarinet and Piano several years ago. It has eight movements, and each one expresses a different emotion. For my Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello, and Piano, I chose five because I wanted the music to have room to breathe—to expand, shift, and return without feeling rushed. The structure works well: , with the middle movement being the fastest.
In this collaboration, that structure mirrors Marcia’s artwork. Her pieces from The Well Collection don’t repeat the same idea; they revisit it from different angles, with different textures, colors, and emotional weight. The music does the same. Each movement becomes another lens through which both the art and the sound can be experienced.
Rather than one long statement, the piece becomes a series of reflections—connected, but distinct. Here are the titles of the movements of my Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello and Piano: I. Rhythm of Two Worlds - Latin rhythms at a moderate tempo
II. Passacaglia - very slow and mediative
III. Kinetic Surge - very fast with lots of action
IV. Pastorale - slow and peaceful
V. Festive Dance - fast and upbeat
Here are the titles of the painting from Marcia Cole's The Well Collection 1. Chason - Vision
2. Schlav - Phase
3. Hede - Echo
4. Izun - Balance
5. Einayim - Eyes
6. Yira - Reverence
7. Sheketin – Gentle Quiet
8. Rachash - Murmur
9. Tikva - Hope
10. Be’er Sheva – Well of Seven
11. Peah - Marvel
12. Hazmana - Invitation
13. Marvaar - Transition
14. Tnuah - Movement
15. Rakia - Firmament
16. Dema - Stillness
In Tandem — Art and Music Side by Side
The title In Tandem came from the way this project unfolded. Marcia’s visual work and my music don’t illustrate each other directly. Instead, they move alongside one another, each offering its own voice.
As the trio moves from movement to movement, the artwork shifts as well. Sometimes the music seems to lead, sometimes the image does. What emerges is not a single interpretation, but a shared space where listeners and viewers can make their own connections.
Watch the In Tandem Art and Music Collaboration Video Below
If you’ve ever wondered why composers break a piece into multiple movements, I invite you to experience that idea for yourself through In Tandem. Let the music guide you through its five distinct emotional landscapes, and allow the artwork to shape how you hear each one.
Below is the video of the full collaboration, featuring my wife, Marcia Cole’s work from The Well Collection alongside my Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello, and Piano. I hope it offers you a few moments of reflection—and perhaps a new way of listening.
If this exploration of music and creativity resonates with you, I’d love to continue the conversation.
🎹 Piano Lessons https://www.mascaripiano.com/piano-lessons
Private, personalized piano instruction for children, teens, and adults—focused on building strong musical foundations, expressive playing, and a lifelong connection to music.
🎼 Composition Lessons https://www.mascaripiano.com/composition-lessons
One-on-one guidance for composers at any stage, from first ideas to fully realized works. Lessons focus on developing your musical voice, structure, harmony, orchestration, and practical approaches to bringing your music to life.
☎️ Free Consultation https://www.mascaripiano.com/contact
Not sure where to begin? I offer a free consultation to talk about your musical goals and explore the best path forward—whether that’s piano study, composition, or creative development.
🎁 Free Piano Courses https://www.mascaripiano.com/free-courses
Get started with two free introductory piano courses designed to help you build confidence, technique, and musical understanding—no matter your experience level.
About the Artist Collaboration
This project, In Tandem, features the visual artwork of Marcia Cole from The Well Collection. You can explore more of her work at: www.marciacoleart.studio
Comments