The *period* is one of two [[basic theme types]] in the Classical style. Prototypical periods are 8 measures in length and divided into a 4-measure [[antecedent]] and a 4-measure [[consequent]]. The antecedent features a 2-measure basic idea followed by a 2-measure contrasting idea that culminates in a weak cadence. The consequent repeats the basic idea of the antecedent followed by a contrasting idea that may or may not correspond to the antecedent and culminates in stronger cadence than the one obtained by the antecedent. **Example 1.** Prototypical period: Mozart, Horn Concerto in E♭, K. 447/ii, mm. 1–8. ([Listen](https://youtu.be/e42VGsYSWHg?si=dUY7SpugoW2mSOdo)) ![[example prototypical period.png]]