Sonata Form

---

 

• Form:
  1. The primary structure is: Exposition, Development, Recapitulation
  2. The Exposition is usually repeated (classical)
  3. The Dev-Recap could be repeated (classical)
  4. There are usually four primary segments in the Exposition: P-T-S-K
  5. S is in the dominant or relative key in Exposition, in tonic in the Recapitulation
• Introductions:
  1. This serves as preparation for main section, generally won't stand on its own
  2. Could stand on its own as a Prologue
  3. Possibility of thematic/motivic relationship to main themes...or not
  4. Generally in the primary key, could end on the dominant
• Transitions:
  1. The primary function is to modulate
  2. Often ends on dominant of new key
  3. May develop directly out of P material
  4. Could also be completely new material
  5. Transition in Recap presents a problem
  6. Goal is to modulate but Recap doesn't so alterations are usually made
• Development Sections:
  1. May have several distinct sections
  2. Often includes a Retransition - generally dominant prolongation - to set up Recap
  3. Opportunity for composer to show off
  4. Wide variety of compositional/developmental techniques, almost anything is possible
  5. Typically tonally unstable, frequent modulations
  6. Motivically related to Exposition
• Coda:
  1. Ending for the main sections
  2. Does not stand on its own
  3. Could serve as an epilogue, on its own
  4. Clear relationship to main themes or motives
  5. Could be develomental in nature (Beethoven)
  6. Possibility of new material
• Analytical considerations:
  1. What is the large-scale tonal scheme? What are the key relationships?
  2. How does it fit (or not fit) the basic model?
  3. Identify primary themes and motives?
  4. What modulation techniques are used in the Exposition?
  5. Compare Recap to Expo - how does Recap solve the tonal problem?
  6. How is the Development section segmented, where does the material come from?
  7. What types of modulations and developmental techniques are used in the Development Section?
  8. What is the design of the Coda (if present)? Are there any connections to previous material?

   

©2015 Dr. Timothy Nord