Brèves

Brèves are a type of short musical composition, often instrumental, characterized by their brevity and typically light or playful character. The term itself is derived from the French word for "short." While not a strictly defined genre with rigid formal requirements, brèves generally share a focus on concise musical ideas and a lack of extensive development. They are often single-movement pieces that might be used as interludes, encores, or simply as standalone miniatures.

Composers throughout history have penned brèves, though the term might not always be explicitly used in the title. Pieces that fit the spirit of a brève can be found in various collections and anthologies. The emphasis is on a contained musical statement, often with a clear melody and simple harmonic structure. Their conciseness makes them accessible to both performers and listeners, and they can serve as excellent examples of musical miniatures. The lack of prolonged sections means that each note and phrase is often carefully considered to maximize its impact within the limited duration.