Sonata Form

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  Typical Characteristics Beethoven Op. 13 mvt. 1
Form

- Expo.
- Recap.
  • Exposition, Development, Recapitulation
  • Exposition usually repeated (classical)
  • Dev-Recap could be repeated (clasical)
  • P-T-S-K
  • S is in the dominant or relative key in Expo, in tonic in the Recap
  • Key of C minor
  • Contains all typical formal units
  • Modulates to Eb
  • P is a repeated 8 measure phrase
  • S appears to modulate to Db
  • Recap. S begins in F minor
Introductions
  • Preparation for main section, won't stand on it's own
  • Could stand on it's own as a Prologue
  • Possibility of thematic/motivic relationship to main themes...or not
  • Generally in the primary key, could end on the dominant
  • Slow tempo - 'Grave'
  • Establishes C minor
  • Introduces it's own motives
  • Ends in the dominant
Transitions
  • Function is to modulate
  • Often ends on dominant of new key
  • May develop directly out of P material
  • Could also be completely new material
  • Transition in Recap presents a problem
  • Goal is to modulate but Recap doesn't so alterations are usually made
  • Transition between P and S
  • Modulates to Eb Maj.
  • Ascending step progression - G to Bb
  • Retransition at the end of the Dev
  • Extended dominant prolongation
Development Sections

  • May have several distinct sections
  • Often includes a Retransition - generally dominant prolongation - to set up Recap
  • Opportunity for composer to show off
  • Wide variety of compositional/developmental techniques, almost anything is possible
  • Typically tonally unstable, frequent modulations
  • Motivically related to Exposition
  • Divided into three clear sections
  • Begins in G minor
  • Begins with Introduction motive
  • 2nd section contains an extended step progression - goal is G
Coda

  • Ending for the main sections
  • Does not stand on it's own
  • Could serve as an epilogue, on it's own
  • Clear relationship to main themes or motives
  • Could be develomental in nature (Beethoven)
  • Possibility of new material
  • Brings back Intro tempo and motive
  • Second section up tempo with P motive
  • Confirms C minor
Analytical Considerations

  • What is the tonal scheme, key relationships
  • How does it fit (or not) the basic model
  • Identifies primary themes and motives
  • Modulation techniques in Expo
  • Compare Recap to Expo - how does Recap solve the tonal problem
  • Modulations, developmental techniques
  • What is the design of the Coda - if present